The smell was so bad even some of the firefighters thought what tipped over on I-94 was human waste. It turned out to be something else, but it took a long time to clean up.
A Fox 2 viewer was one of the last drivers to creep past the overturned tractor-trailer before I-94 Westbound between I-75 and the Lodge was shutdown. Cell phone video shows a fine green powder all over the road and an up close look at the trailer on its side.
"The driver says that someone in front of him cut him off, a young lady. He put on his brakes and caused his tractor to overturn," said Captain Christopher Dixon with the Detroit Fire Department.
The stretch of I-94 was impassable for about three hours. Initial reports described the green powder as some sort of treated human waste with an awful smell.
"We didn't know what it was. It had a really pungent odor," Dixon explained. "The best thing was to stop traffic, evacuate from that area until we found out what it was."
A front end loader scooped up as much dry powder as possible, dumping it in an empty semi on the side of the road. Hazmat crews hosed down the highway in full protective gear with masks and gloves.
Once most of the mess was cleared out, heavy duty tow trucks put the trailer back on its wheels.
The unmarked truck from H&P Transportation was carrying treated residential waste, in other words processed garbage.
"Later on found out that it was latex products, dyes, things of that nature that they use a process to dry it out and take it to a landfill," Dixon said.
The driver appeared to be uninjured in the accident. He gave police and fire details of the crash and the truck's contents.
Tuesday, March 12 2013 4:33 PM EDT2013-03-12 20:33:13 GMT
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:08 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:08:52 GMT
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 9:12 PM EDT2013-05-16 01:12:58 GMT
There was a last ditch effort Wednesday to save Oakman Elementary and Orthopedic School, a Detroit public school that services a high number of disabled and special needs children.
There was a last ditch effort Wednesday to save Oakman Elementary and Orthopedic School, a Detroit public school that services a high number of disabled and special needs children.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 7:12 PM EDT2013-05-15 23:12:48 GMT
Makayla Lance is only 17 years old and facing death. Tuesday she was shot in the face allegedly by her 18-year-old boyfriend. When police responded to the scene, he was trying to save her life.
Makayla Lance is only 17 years old and facing death. Tuesday she was shot in the face allegedly by her 18-year-old boyfriend. When police responded to the scene, he was trying to save her life.
Thursday, May 9 2013 4:54 PM EDT2013-05-09 20:54:33 GMT
We've all had one of those days. You have a million things on your mind and are moving way too fast. In Southfield, one woman's absent minded moment put her in a tight spot.
We've all had one of those days. You have a million things on your mind and are moving way too fast. In Southfield, one woman's absent minded moment put her in a tight spot.
Monday, May 20 2013 6:27 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:27:25 GMT
A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING has been issued for Livingston County until 7:30 p.m. A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH for all of Southeast Michigan except Lenawee and Monroe counties remain in effect until 8:00 p.m.
A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING has been issued for Livingston County until 7:30 p.m. A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH for all of Southeast Michigan except Lenawee and Monroe counties remain in effect until 8:00 p.m.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:51 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:51:26 GMT
A church community in Canton is reeling over the death of a young man. He was just married on Saturday and less than 24 hours later killed in a car crash on the way to the couple's honeymoon. His bride survived.
A church community in Canton is reeling over the death of a young man. He was just married on Saturday and less than 24 hours later killed in a car crash on the way to the couple's honeymoon. His bride survived.
Monday, May 20 2013 3:26 PM EDT2013-05-20 19:26:50 GMT
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:42 AM EDT2013-05-20 15:42:57 GMT
Perfect weather for a wonderful cause on Saturday in downtown Detroit and some Fox 2 viewers shared a few photos with us to help capture the day. Take a look and add your photos.
Perfect weather for a wonderful cause on Saturday in downtown Detroit and some Fox 2 viewers shared a few photos with us to help capture the day. Take a look and add your photos.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:24 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:24:48 GMT
The Detroit Red Wings look to go up 2-1 in their second-round series tonight when they face the top-seeded Chicago Blackhawks at Joe Louis Arena. The Red Wings evened the series at 1-all with a 4-1 victory on Saturday.
The Detroit Red Wings look to go up 2-1 in their second-round series tonight when they face the top-seeded Chicago Blackhawks at Joe Louis Arena. The Red Wings evened the series at 1-all with a 4-1 victory on Saturday.
Credit: YouTube
