At Least One Dead as Fireworks Truck Explodes in 150-Vehicle Pileup

At least one person was killed and many more injured on Friday in a series of two pileups of around 150 vehicles, closing off both directions of Interstate-94 in southwestern Michigan.

A semi-truck hauling fireworks exploded on the freeway after the crash, according to Kalamazoo local tv channel WoodTV. 

Michigan State Police said at least four semis and two cars were still on fire, including one truck carrying hazardous materials.

— Jessica Wheeler (@jessicawheeler3) January 9, 2015

State police confirmed a one-mile radius shelter-in-place and a three-mile radius evacuation order for a short time due to the lingering concern of hazardous materials that might not have yet burned off in the fire.

— CAROLINAS FIRE PAGE (@CFPalerts) January 9, 2015

— Craig Sager II (@CraigSagerJr) January 9, 2015

Initially, emergency responders believed around 90 vehicles were involved in the crashes. Police at the scene are still trying to determine the exact number of vehicles in each pileup.

Authorities are blaming snow, wind and poor visibility in the crash.

— Jessica Wheeler (@jessicawheeler3) January 9, 2015

State police Lt. Padzer confirmed a trucker from Ottawa, Canada, died, and the number of injured is yet to be determined.