3/8/11 - Lansing extrication, I-496 @ Everett Dr

The eastbound lanes of I-496 were closed for over 7 hours near downtown Lansing after a westbound car lost control, crossed the center median and struck an eastbound semi truck head-on. The Tuesday afternoon crash on March 8, 2011, resulted in massive damage and required the extrication of one driver with critical injuries. The Lansing Fire Department sent an extrication response of 3 engine companies, 1 medic unit and command. First arriving Engine 41 requested response of the department's Haz Mat unit due to the large amount of diesel fuel spilled on the highway from a ruptured saddle tank. Firefighters simultaneously stabilized the car and performed a roof removal to remove and treat the driver while others used absorbant material to dike the fuel which was running into storm drains. Additional absorbant material was requested to the scene from the department's maintenance division. The Lansing Police Department completed an extensive investigation on scene and Shroyer's Towing was requested for clean up of the hazardous materials and debris.