Dearborn, MI : Oil Tanker, car crash causes massive explosion on I-94 at Wyoming in Dearborn on Wednesday, March 11, 2015

A massive tanker fire on eastbound I-94 in Dearborn shut down both directions of the freeway between Michigan Avenue and Ford Road for several hours Wednesday. The westbound lanes have reopened, but the eastbound lanes will remain closed between M-39 and Wyoming through the weekend.

It took nearly two hours for Dearborn firefighters to get the flames under control. Fortunately, only minor injuries were reported.

Two patients are being treated for minor injuries at Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn, officials there say. Michigan State Police were at the hospital interviewing those involved as part of their accident investigation.

At least two vehicles, in addition to the tanker, burst into flames. A number of people could be seen on the side of the road. Flames could also be seen coming from sewer system manholes. Dearborn firefighters have gotten the upper hand on the flames.

Several witnesses in the area say they heard several explosions. People in businesses nearby reported that their buildings shook. Another driver says the accident happened right in front of her. Mishaun Thompson says she saw a vehicle flip over the median onto the west side of the freeway.

“I don’t know how anyone could survive what I just saw,” said Thompson. Shortly after the interview with Mishaun, we learned that there were only minor injuries.The tanker truck driver was also able to safely escape. The truck is from RKA Petroleum trucking company. It was carrying approximately 13,000 gallons of diesel and gasoline.

The heavy black smoke could be seen for miles. Rob Morosi from the Michigan Department of Transportation says crews are re-routing traffic. Now that the fire is out, crews will assess any damage to the freeway.

The freeway will be closed for an indefinite amount of time. The public is being asked to avoid the area.

Source :
Tanker explodes on Interstate 94 at Wyoming in Dearborn