US-131 shut down as tanker truck burns
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A tanker truck crashed onto US-131 and burst into flames, filling the sky of downtown Grand Rapids with black smoke.
The Grand Rapids Police Department tells News 8 the tanker truck was involved in a single-vehicle crash on southbound US-131 near I-196 Exit 86A. the Grand Rapids Police Department told News 8.
As of 9:20 a.m., the highway was closed in both directions from Leonard Street NE to Pearl Street as the “entirely engulfed” tanker continued to burn. A statement from GRPD said motorists should expect “extended closures” while first responders work to clear the road.
Photos and videos from some eyewitnesses showed a fireball and thick black smoke rising near the under-construction Amway Stadium.
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A tanker truck caught fire after crashing into southbound US-131 at I-196 near Exit 86A on Saturday. (Kindness
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A tanker truck caught fire after crashing into southbound US-131 at I-196 near Exit 86A on Saturday.
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A tanker truck caught fire after crashing into southbound US-131 at I-196 near Exit 86A on Saturday. (Courtesy of Scott Damman)
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A tanker truck caught fire after crashing into southbound US-131 at I-196 near Exit 86A on Saturday. (Courtesy of Randy Spontack)
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A tanker truck caught fire after crashing into southbound US-131 at I-196 near Exit 86A on Saturday. (Courtesy of Abraham Hall)
Authorities said they did not yet know the cause of the accident and fire and that the investigation was ongoing.
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