My worst fear

Tanker Explodes On I-75 In Hazel Park
Explosion Causes Bridge To Collapse

POSTED: Wednesday, July 15, 2009
UPDATED: 8:50 am EDT July 16, 2009

HAZEL PARK, Mich. -- A two mile stretch of Interstate 75 remians closed in both directions at 9 Mile Road in Hazel Park after a tanker exploded. Police said the tanker rolled over on the northbound lanes of the freeway shortly after 8 p.m. "It was like armageddon. It was crazy," said Autumn. "I was laying in bed and heard a big explosion and saw smoke everywhere."

Watch: RAW VIDEO: Tanker ExplosionImages: Tanker Explosion

Police said a 27-year-old driver of a car lost control while driving about 70 miles per hour along a curve and collided with the tanker.

"This truck veered off to the right. It looks like it might have been cut off," said witness Troy. "Then there was this fireball. Then there was explosion after explosion after explosion."
Police said the flames caused the Nine Mile Road bridge over I-75 to collapse.

Three people suffered minor injuries.

A contractor is expected to be named shortly for repair work to begin. A crane will need to be brought in to lift the overpass.

Hazel Park firefighters are standing by in case any hot spots remain.
The tanker is reported to have been carrying around 9,000 gallons of fuel. Utility companies expressed concern over a natural gas pipeline that runs in the general area. DTE Energy said 2,000 customers are without power due to the accident. Department of Transportation officials are assessing the damage. There is no word on when I-75 will reopen. The eastbound I-696 ramp to northbound I-75 has reopened. However, the Nine Mile service drive remains closed.
Drivers are being urged to use Woodward Avenue as an alternate route.

Original story posted here.