I-75 remains closed in Troy due to fuel tanker fire

Troy — Interstate 75 in Troy remains closed after a fuel tanker caught fire Monday after striking a concrete median on the freeway, police said.

About midday Tuesday, the Michigan Department of Transportation said there was no estimate on when the freeway would reopen and it tweeted photos of damage to the median and the road.

"People better consider some alternatives," said Michigan State Police Lt. Mike Shaw late Monday night. "Woodward Avenue is a likely option but it can only handle so much traffic as well." 

The Troy Police Department earlier tweeted that "MDOT has advised that I-75 will remain closed overnight. ... Inspection and repair expected to take time."

The driver of the tanker, a 46-year-old St. Clair man, escaped from the cab of the truck. He wastreated for minor injuries at a hospital. No other injuries were reported, police said.

The Michigan Department of Transportation closed southbound lanes at Square Lake Road and northbound lanes at Rochester Road.

Plumes of smoke could be seen from the freeway, with traffic at a standstill after the tanker truck struck the northbound center median near the Big Beaver overpass around 1:15 p.m. and caught fire.

The tanker was carrying 14,000 gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel, police said. 

The fire was out by 5 p.m.  MDOT  was checking for freeway damages. Oakland County Hazmat workers were on the scene with MDOT and fire departments attempting the cleanup. State police tweeted that there was some concern pavement may have buckled due to the heat of the fire.

Cause of the accident remain under investigation and police ask any witnesses to call (248) 524-3477