Bridge collapses on Michigan's I-75 after tankers explode

From the BNO Newsroom.

HAZEL PARK, Michigan (BNO NEWS) -- A bridge over the I-75 near Hazel Park in Michigan has "completely collapsed" after two gasoline tankers exploded, creating a massive fire, authorities say. There is no word on casualties.

The incident happened at 8.30 p.m. local time when, according to the Hazel Park Fire Department, a gasoline tanker struck an overpass on the I-75, causing the bridge to collapse. A second tanker was also involved in the accident, a spokesman for the Michigan State Police told BNO News.

Fire crews are at the scene to battle the blaze, which is creating massive clouds of smoke. The freeway is closed between 8 mile and 11 road, a spokesman said.

One of the tankers is reported to have carried about 9,000 gallons of gasoline. According to WWJ-AM, authorities believe the smoke is toxic.

WDIV-TV initially reported that two people had died but later removed the report from its website, without giving an explanation. Both the state police, the Hazel Park fire department and the Hazel Park police department, in calls with BNO News, had no information about casualties. Thick black smoke can be seen from miles away.

A Twitter user posted several pictures from the scene. The picture on the right of this page was released by WXYZ-TV.

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