A semi-truck hauling dangerous chemicals overturned this weekend in Lapeer Township, with Lapeer County officials forced to close parts of I-69 as emergency crews, including two HAZMAT teams, responded to the Saturday ordeal.
Lapeer County Sheriff’s deputies responded some time around 5:00 a.m. on March 18, arriving at the area of Westbound I-69 between M-24 and Lake Nepessing Road. Quickly realizing the semi-truck was hauling dangerous materials, identified as 1-methoxy-2 propanol (propylene glycol methyl ether), deputies called in backup from the Lapeer city’s fire and rescue department, and closed the area to both westbound and eastbound traffic.
The truck, hauling for Ontario’s AirTime Express, was carrying the chemical in fifteen 55-gallon drums, with a puddle of liquid discovered near the rear of the truck, where it had sustained a lot of damage from the rollover. Ultimately, it was found by the Michigan Spill Response team that the drums had not been compromised and that the puddle was actually water. With the hazardous material offloaded and the mystery leaking liquid identified, fire and rescue teams turned the scene over to investigators with law enforcement and MDOT.
The truck had also been carrying other miscellaneous products, including USPS packages, and was ultimately recovered and uprighted by Byers Wrecker Service. I-69 remained closed until 4:00 p.m. Saturday to allow for investigation and clean up. No injuries were reported, nor is the accident’s cause known.
Also assisting at or notified of the scene were Lapeer city PD, Lapeer County’s Road Commission and Office of Emergency Management, Elba Fire Department, Michigan State Police, MDOT, EGLE, Region 3 HAZMAT and MABAS 3201 HAZMAT Team.
