Stretch of I-75 closed after fuel tanker explosion

WKAR Public Media

Published July 16, 2009 at 5:49 AM EDT

By AP

HAZEL PARK, MI – A two-mile stretch of Interstate 75 just north of Detroit remains closed as authorities investigate a fuel tanker explosion and overpass collapse.

Police say I-75 in both directions is indefinitely closed between Interstate 696 and 8 Mile Road. Drivers are being encouraged to use Woodward Avenue as an alternate route.

Michigan State Police Lt. Shannon Sims says three drivers suffered minor injuries in the explosion and fire Wednesday night.

The tanker was on I-75 about 10 miles north of downtown Detroit when it exploded beneath the 9 Mile Road overpass about 8 p.m.

Part of the overpass collapsed into the highway's northbound lanes and also remains impassable.

The investigation into why the tanker exploded continues.

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