Kalamazoo, MI: On January 19th, 2017 at approximately 7:40 a.m. Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Officers responded to a report of a Semi Truck on Fire on US 131 near the Parkview Drive overpass. A 24 year old Semi Truck driver was northbound on 131 and reached down to pick up his phone. As he did this, his Semi Truck with trailer swerved out of his lane, striking a disabled vehicle that was on the side of the road. A 45 year old female was in the vehicle at the time waiting for a tow truck to change a tire. The Semi sideswiped the car, causing the truck’s gas tank to rupture, spilling diesel fuel onto the highway. The fuel ignited causing the semi truck to catch fire. KDPS personnel were assisted by Portage, Texas Township and Oshtemo Township Fire departments in extinguishing the fire. US 131 was closed for about 2 hours during the incident. DEQ and MDOT came to the scene to assist with clean-up of any Hazardous Waste. The driver of the Semi was not injured. The occupant of the vehicle received a minor injury to her leg and was transported by Life to Bronson Hospital for treatment. The driver of the Semi was cited for improper lane use.

Anyone who may have information regarding this investigation is asked to call Kalamazoo Public Safety at 337-8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

By authority of: Lt. Sean Gordon

Date: January 19th, 2016
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Vernon Coakley, 337-8142