A gasoline tanker crashed and erupted into flames on US-131 in downtown Grand Rapids, closing both directions of the freeway for nearly 12 hours on Saturday, April 4.

The emergency shut down the highway around 8 a.m. and did not fully reopen until 8:30 p.m., leaving drivers to use alternate routes through the city for most of the day.

Two semi trucks were involved in the incident. Both truck drivers were taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Fire Department Response

Grand Rapids Fire Department Deputy Chief of Operations Jack Johnson confirmed the tanker was carrying about 8,000 gallons of gasoline. The truck burned for approximately two hours before crews were able to control the fire.

"We stood by for safety while they transferred the unburned fuel into a different tanker," Johnson said. "After that, we turned the scene over to MDOT."

The blaze sent smoke billowing over the downtown area, visible to residents across the city.

Crews spent about eight hours on site. In addition to fire suppression, emergency contractors from Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy recovered spilled gasoline from the roadway.

Cleanup Challenges

EGLE spokesperson Dale George noted that heavy rain and high stormwater flow created significant challenges during cleanup.

"Since drainage couldn't be blocked without flooding nearby homes, the weather made things difficult," George said.

The cause of the crash and fire remains under investigation. MDOT said investigators and engineers were scheduled to visit the site Saturday afternoon.

Witness Account

A witness, Tony Zaidel, said he witnessed the crash unfold just yards ahead of him on the highway.

"I slowed down and got behind the tanker, and then this flatbed semi hauling lumber and a forklift went flying past us way too fast for conditions," Zaidel said. "He threw so much water on me I had to hit the brakes because I couldn't see."

Zaidel said the flatbed truck lost control and crashed into a concrete wall before the tanker driver attempted to avoid the collision.

"The tanker swerved to the left to avoid hitting the truck and trailer that had just hit the wall," Zaidel said. "It went right up against the east concrete wall of the freeway and instantly ignited and blew up."

Zaidel described the explosion as "like someone lit a match and the whole thing got big," noting it appeared to be a fireball about 30 feet in diameter.

Despite the dramatic fireball, Zaidel said the tanker driver escaped. "I see him crawling, I don't even know how he got out of the truck so fast," he said.

Traffic Impact

The crash forced drivers to use alternate routes around US-131 at I-196. Northbound lanes were closed at Pearl Street and southbound lanes were closed at Leonard Street.

Both directions of the freeway fully reopened by 8:30 p.m., according to Michigan State Police.

MDOT said bridge inspectors and engineers were on scene Saturday afternoon, with additional crews heading to the highway. It was not clear if any portion of the freeway would need repair after the fire.

Additional Resources

Grand Rapids Fire Department had to call in outside help, including crash fire rescue units from Allendale and Gerald R Ford International Airport.

"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 when we can."

Crews utilized fluorine-free foam to extinguish the gasoline fire, which required additional resources beyond the standard fire department equipment.