Massive Fireball Erupts After Tanker Truck Crash

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A gasoline tanker truck crashed on US-131 in downtown Grand Rapids around 8 a.m. Saturday morning, sparking a massive fire that burned for hours and forced the closure of both directions of the freeway, according to multiple sources.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) reported the crash occurred on southbound US-131 just south of the I-196 overpass, near the Pearl Street exit. Emergency crews closed both directions of the expressway to combat the fire, which involved a semi-truck carrying 8,000 gallons of gasoline.

"The tanker caught fire and created a huge plume of smoke and flames," said Grand Rapids Fire Department Deputy Chief of Operations Jack Johnson. "It was on fire for quite a bit of time before we were able to get it under control utilizing our fluorine-free foam."

Two Semi Trucks Involved, Minor Injuries Reported

According to Grand Rapids Fire Department officials, two semi trucks were involved in the crash. Both drivers sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local emergency room.

"We'd like to thank Allendale and Gerald R Ford International Airport crash fire rescue units for their assistance today," Johnson said. "It's not normal that we have to call in for outside help, but it's nice to know we have those resources available to us when we can."

The airport crash fire rescue units were called in to assist with foam operations, spraying special agents to help extinguish the gasoline fire.

Roads Reopen After 12-Hour Closure

The freeway remained closed for approximately 12 hours, with northbound US-131 detoured at Pearl Street and southbound traffic asked to exit at Leonard Street.

Both directions of the freeway fully reopened by 8:30 p.m. Saturday, according to MDOT officials. Drivers spent roughly 12 hours using alternate routes around US-131 in downtown Grand Rapids.

An MDOT spokesperson told FOX 17 that bridge inspectors and engineers were on scene Saturday afternoon, with additional crews headed to the highway to evaluate any damage to the roadway structure.

Cause of Crash Under Investigation

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by authorities. No additional information was immediately available about how the tanker truck lost control or collided with another vehicle.

Emergency crews continued clean up operations throughout Saturday evening as officials assessed any potential environmental impact from the gasoline spill and fire.

Road Closure Impacts Major Routes

The incident has resulted in the closure of several major roads in downtown Grand Rapids. MDOT announced that southbound U.S. 131 is closed at Leonard Street, both eastbound and westbound I-196 to southbound U.S. 131 are closed, and northbound U.S. 131 is closed at Wealthy Street.

The interstate is expected to remain closed for the foreseeable future as cleanup and structural inspections are conducted. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.

Previous US-131 Closure in December

This incident follows a previous crash in December 2025, where a semi-truck carrying sand and stone crashed on an S-curve on U.S. 131, causing long-term road closures. The current closure is expected to cause significant traffic disruptions in the area.

Environmental Concerns

Officials are monitoring the situation for any environmental impact from the gasoline fire. The Grand Rapids Police Department says the crash happened after 8 a.m. Saturday morning in the southbound lanes of US-131 near the I-196 overpass.

MDOT bridge inspectors and engineers are on site to evaluate any damage to the highway structure. It was not clear if any portion of the freeway will need repair after the fire, but officials are conducting thorough inspections.

Sources

• https://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/grand-rapids/vehicle-fire-closes-us-131-in-grand-rapids
• https://wwmt.com/news/local/vehicle-fire-shuts-down-us-131-both-ways-at-exit-86a-near-i-196-in-grand-rapids
• https://wzzm13.com/article/news/local/nb-sb-us-131-closed-due-to-large-vehicle-fire/69-ccdf8458-0a90-4a6d-8b0b-d8c1f835113c
• https://mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2026/04/both-directions-of-us-131-closed-for-vehicle-fire.html
• https://woodradio.iheart.com/featured/wood-radio-local-news/content/2026-04-04-gasoline-tanker-truck-explodes-in-downtown-grand-rapids