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Tanker Explodes On I-69, Half-Mile Evacuated

DAVISON TOWNSHIP (WWJ) - In Genessee County, a semi-tanker hauling hauling flammable gas crashed and exploded on a snowy westbound I-69 — causing some scary moments for motorists and area residents.

It happened shortly before 11 a.m. Thursday in Davison Township, at the Irish Road entrance, near Flint.

As a precaution, there was a brief evacuation covering a half-mile radius; but residents were allowed to return home a short time later.

The driver received minor injuries, and no other vehicles were involved.

Area roads were slick and snow-covered at the time of the incident, but there was no information immediately available about what exactly led to the explosion.

MLive.com reported  the truck was carrying hydrogen sulfide, a colorless, flammable gas with a rotten egg smell.

Department spokeswoman Anita Richardson said I-69 could be closed up to 12 hours. Drivers were advised to avoid the area.

For the latest, keep it tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for traffic and weather, every 10 minutes on the 8s. Visit our traffic page.

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