M-51 reopens near Dowagiac after fuel tanker crash
Thousands of gallons of fuel were spilled from semi on M-52 after two vehicle crash Wednesday morning.
The crash involved a fuel transport truck prompted an evacuation and hazardous materials response.
The Pokagon Volunteer Fire Department said crews were dispatched at 9:32 p.m. Tuesday to M-51 and Peavine Street in Cass County. The department said the tanker rolled onto its side, compromising the tank and causing a fuel leak.
The tanker was carrying 13,352 gallons of fuel, the department said. Police said 4,000 gallons of fuel had been spilled. Of those, 2,500 gallons were lost but 1,500 were recovered. Cleanup will continue in the next few days and the remaining product was transferred to waiting transport trucks after the leak was controlled.
Residents within 1,000 feet of the scene were evacuated from their homes. Drivers were asked to avoid the area during cleanup. County HazMat, True’s Towing and Recovery’s spill response team and a response team from the transportation company assisted at the scene, according to the department.
Cleanup and vehicle removal began after the fuel transfer. M-51 reopened at 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, though the department said additional site cleanup will continue. Both drivers were evaluated at the scene by emergency medical services personnel and released.
The cause of the crash was not identified in the department’s update.
Commercial truck records and safety requirements
Commercial truck crashes can involve records beyond a standard crash report, including vehicle data, maintenance files, driver qualification records, dispatch communications and cargo documents. The available records and their legal significance depend on the vehicle, carrier and circumstances of the crash.
When federal motor carrier maintenance rules apply, they require a motor carrier to systematically inspect, repair and maintain vehicles under its control. 49 C.F.R. § 396.3 explains that requirement. Michigan Legal Center’s commercial truck crash guide provides broader context about records that can matter after a commercial truck crash.
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