DETROIT – Two southbound lanes of I-75 reopened Friday morning at Springwells Street after a tanker fire on the River Rouge Bridge shut down all lanes in both directions.
The two right lanes are closed for repairs.
The northbound lanes of I-75 were closed at Outer Drive and reopened at about 7 a.m. The closures began at about 5 a.m.
The driver, 35-year-old Mike Woodcox, was on his way to the Marathon refinery to fill up when a tire popped and he pulled over, according to Jim Heilig, owner of Mid Thumb Trucking Co. Woodcox had just started his shift.
Woodcox has been with the company for seven years. He grabbed his fire extinguisher and fought the fire. He called the fire department when his fire extinguisher ran out.
The fire had reignited and engulfed the truck by the time fire fighters arrived on the scene. The truck was empty but contained residual fuel and vapors from the last load.
It is unclear what caused the fire. It is believed a brake or wheel bearing issue caused friction.
No injuries were reported.
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The Michigan Department of Transportation says the bridge will be inspected after the fire is out to determine when the roadway will reopen.
Stay with Local 4 and ClickOnDetroit.com for traffic updates.