Overturned Tanker Shuts Down I-94 In Dearborn; Traffic Backed Up For Miles
DEARBORN (WWJ) - Authorities have shut down a section of I-94 in Dearborn after a tanker truck overturned as the busy morning commute was getting underway.
The accident occurred just after 6 a.m. Wednesday on eastbound I-94 at Schaefer Highway.
John Bennett, the semi-driver, was shaken up following the crash but otherwise uninjured. He told WWJ's Mike Campbell a merging driver set off the chain of events that ended with his truck on its side.
"I was coming down 94, a couple cars were merging onto the freeway. One car sped up to try to cut in front of me and slammed into the car in front of them, lost control and swerved over and hit me. And that's all I remember honestly," Bennett said. "Honestly, I don't know [what it was like flipping over]. My eyes were closed and my hands were gripping the wheel."
Two other vehicles were involved in the crash; neither driver was injured.
Michigan State Police say the tanker does not contain any hazardous materials. Fire officials at the scene described the truck's contents as a powdery substance.
WWJ Traffic Reporter John Bailey said drivers should avoid the area if possible as traffic almost immediately came to a halt.
"We're already backed up to Oakwood Boulevard and that backup is getting much worse," Bailey said a half-hour after the crash. "Drivers would be better off exiting at M-39, the Southfield Freeway, and head up to Rotunda or Michigan Avenue to rejoin I-94 east of the problem."
Eastbound I-94 remains closed between Wyoming and Rotunda.
For the latest from the roads, stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 during Traffic and Weather on the 8s, 24-hours a day. Check for recent incidents now on the CBS Detroit Traffic Page.
