Tanker fire in Michigan lights up social media

Michael Allan McCrae | March 11, 2015 | 11:18 am Energy 

A tanker truck collided with two other vehicles today resulting in massive fireballs on a highway close to Dearborn, Michigan.

Only minor injuries were reported. The accident happened on eastbound I-94 freeway between Michigan Avenue and Ford Road. Police say the incident is under investigation.

The US oil boom has resulted in more petroleum being transported by ship and rail. The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports that shipments of petroleum and petroleum products were up 7.6 percent in 2014. Regulators and industry and wrestling with rules to deal with carrying more dangerous cargo.

WXYZ interviewed eyewitnesses:

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 Rex Carriers trucking company, which is located in Romulus.

 

Pictures of the incident were widely circulated on social media.

Hat tip, Zero Hedge