Driver of overturned tanker speaks to 7 Action News

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (WXYZ) - Traffic has been a nightmare for many in Metro Detroit, even more so than it normally is, all because of an inconsiderate driver.

According to David Schultz of Mid-Thumb trucking, the driver of a small silver car darted in front of his rig and slammed on the breaks. That's a very dangerous maneuver to attempt in front of any vehicle, but to do so in front of a tanker hauling 10 thousand pounds of jet fuel it could lead to a catastrophe.

As it was, it only led to a complete shutdown of I-696 and a major headache for drivers.

After the accident, the first challenge was getting the fuel off-loaded to another truck. That would prove to be easier said than done when the rig brought in to siphon the gas from the first sprung a leak.  

Jet fuel spilled onto the freeway causing a Hazmat situation and resulting in the I-696 being shutdown to prevent the fueling from possibly igniting.

That was just before midnight Tuesday morning. The stretch of I-696 between I-275 and Orchard Lake remained close until 6:30 Tuesday morning when it was reopened to accommodate the morning rush.

At 9:30 the stretch was re-closed to allow the tanker to be pulled from the ditch and towed.

The freeway was finally reopened for good just before 11:30 Tuesday morning.