GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A gasoline tanker fire following a crash closed US-131 for nearly 12 hours on Saturday, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).
The incident occurred around 8 a.m. in the southbound lanes of US-131, just south of the I-196 overpass. Authorities reported that two semi-trucks were involved in the crash, with both drivers sustaining non-life-threatening injuries and transported to a local emergency room.
Emergency crews, including the Grand Rapids Fire Department, responded by closing both directions of the expressway to combat the flames. The fire, fueled by approximately 8,000 gallons of gasoline, required additional resources, including specialized foam trucks from Allendale and Gerald R. Ford International Airport.
The incident disrupted traffic significantly, with northbound lanes closed at Pearl Street and southbound lanes closed at Leonard Street. Both directions fully reopened by 8:30 p.m. MDOT bridge inspectors were on scene Saturday afternoon to assess potential damage, although the extent of any required repairs remains unclear.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, as stated by Grand Rapids Fire Department officials.