DETROIT (WWJ) A semi crash led to a hazmat situation on Detroit’s west side and a nearly seven-hour freeway closure.
In a statement on X; Michigan State Police Second District said the Detroit Regional Communications Center was notified of a semi crash on the Southfield Freeway (M-39) near Outer Drive, on Thursday (10/24) around 5:30 p.m. Troopers arrived to find a semi truck had struck the center wall, broke the top part and spilled concrete onto both sides of M-39.
Preliminary investigation revealed a Westland woman, 35, was driving southbound when she realized traffic had stopped in the right lane; State Police said.
“She swerved to avoid traffic and her gravel trailer, which was empty, began to fishtail,” the statement read. “The semi then jacknifed into the center wall.”
Police called for a Hazmat scene because of fuel and oil leaking from the semi.
No one was injured.
“This is the second night in a row that a driver did not have proper following distance and caused a preventable crash,” First Lieutenant Mike Shaw said in the statement. “While no one was hurt this time, the damage to the wall and fuel spill will keep the freeway closed for hours inconveniencing drivers and disrupting commerce.”