Fireworks!

Fireworks!
Local Shows

°

Homepage / Detroit Local News
Text Size

2 Lanes Of I-75 Reopen After Tanker Explosion

POSTED: Thursday, January 10, 2008
UPDATED: 7:45 pm EST January 11, 2008

Interstate 75 has reopened in all directions after a tanker crash and explosion on the freeway. The right two northbound lanes are still closed.

A liquid propane tanker exploded Thursday morning and took out a section of northbound Interstate 75 near Outer Drive as it plunged over the guardrail, setting a home on fire, melting a nearby school playground and killing the driver.

Slideshow: Scene Of The Tanker Explosion

"The cab flipped over the guardrail and snapped off from the rest of the truck," said motorist Robert Griffin.

The driver, identified as Ronald A. Martinez, of Albion, was killed in the crash, Michigan State Police Lt. Monica Yesh said.

Martinez, 60, worked for Aero Bulk Carrier of Grand Rapids. He was hauling about 7,200 gallons of butane from Pennsylvania to Sarnia, Ontario, company vice president Hubert Blough said.

It was about 8:15 a.m. when the truck veered into a cement barrier wall, Michigan State Police said in a statement. Its fuel tank ruptured and was ignited by sparks as the tanker continued along the wall.

The tanker then careened over the wall and exploded. Butane spilled onto nearby homes, a playground and a community center, state police said.

Flames from the crash shot dozens of feet into the air.

The cab of the truck became lodged on the freeway barrier, which prevented it from toppling over the edge, she said. Martinez's body was found in the cab of the truck on the freeway surface, Yesh said.

The cause of the crash was under investigation. "None of the witnesses said the truck swerved," Yesh said.

"There are no skid marks, which usually indicates a medical emergency somewhere along the line."

Martinez had no adverse medical history, police said.

A medical examiner on Friday said Martinez died in the crash and did not have a medical emergency as investigators once thought.

Investigators are looking into the possibility that Martinez had a flat tire.

Commercial drivers told Local 4 that they heard Martinez saying over the citizens' band radio that he was going to pull over at the Clark Road exit, just a few exits north, to investigate a possible flat tire.

Investigators said the tires were so charred, they may never know for sure.

Investigators are also waiting for a toxicology report.

Latasha Davis and her three children, ages 12, 14 and 16, were inside the home, which was about 100 feet away from where the tanker landed. Davis said she heard a loud noise, saw the flames and got her three children out of the home.

"When I was laying down, the flame came through my window," said Davis.

The home was engulfed within 10 to 20 minutes, she said.

They were not injured.

Many other homes in the area suffered quite a bit of damage.

Juan Munoz, 12, and his family were sleeping when their home caught fire.

Munoz told Local 4, "I was kind of scared for my brothers and sisters who were crying."

"The siding of our house is kind of melted, and the house in front of us is completely burned down," said Munoz.

State transportation officials spent hours inspecting the bridge's steel support beams and concrete pillars following the crash.

"There was severe structural damage, more so to the concrete pillars that hold the bridge up, and not necessarily to the steel," said Department of Transportation spokesman Rob Morosi.

MDot said they will have to determine the full extent of the damage and it will be at least several weeks until the two northbound lanes of I-75 near Outer Drive reopen.

City Officials Asses Bridge Damage After Tanker Explosion

Local 4 Learns More About Driver Of Tanker
Text Size

Hot Topics

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
There is no absolute number of drinks per day that defines alcoholism. Learn the behavior and body reactions that constitute alcoholism. More

If you have aspirations of becoming a millionaire, check out these five habits that may be worth emulating. More

The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More

Diabetics are now finding new ways to connect better. Get your supplies consultation and join the largest diabetes community! More

Hot Shots!

Hot Shots: Michigan Adventures 2007 - Image From Dale Niesen
Do you love fireworks as much as Local 4? If so, share your fireworks Hot Shots. More

Hot Shots: 2008 Fireworks
2009 Fireworks

Hot Shots: Wild Weather - Image From Cheryl Kleist
Have a great picture of a rainbow? Share your Hot Shots with Local 4!
  • UPLOAD: Submit Your Hot Shot
  • SLIDESHOW: Hot Shots: Rainbow Connection



    Sponsored Links

    On Local 4

    Why are so many teens around metro Detroit getting sexually transmitted diseases? Wait until you see what Local 4 Investigator Kevin Dietz found out.

    Watch "Ellen" weekdays at 10 a.m. on Local 4 to find out how you could win tickets to a preview of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and a great grand prize package! More


    Vote 4 The Best
    Vote 4 The Best 2009: It's time to VOTE for your favorites from burgers to pizza, pet supplies to hair salons and much more. Let your voice be heard! Plus, look for our all new Summer Recreation categories with golf courses, pools, parks and more. More


    Keep up with the latest tweets from the Local 4 Newsroom. More


    Morning Home Delivery From Click On Detroit and Local 4 News

    Most Popular

    Question Of The Day

    What are your plans for the fourth of July holiday weekend?