US-131 Accident Today – A major traffic incident on US-131 in Grand Rapids caused widespread disruption after a fiery tanker crash shut down the highway for hours before it was eventually reopened.
The accident occurred early Saturday morning, April 4, 2026, near the I-196 interchange in downtown Grand Rapids. According to authorities, a gasoline tanker truck carrying approximately 8,000 gallons of fuel crashed and erupted into flames, sending a massive fireball and thick black smoke into the sky.
Emergency crews quickly responded to the scene, closing both northbound and southbound lanes of US-131 as firefighters battled the intense blaze. Additional support, including specialized foam units, was brought in to help contain the fire due to the hazardous nature of the fuel.
Officials confirmed that at least two semi-trucks were involved in the crash. The drivers were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and remarkably, no fatalities were reported.
The highway remained closed for nearly 12 hours, with major traffic backups impacting surrounding roads and forcing drivers to seek alternate routes. Authorities shut down key access points, including exits near Pearl Street and Leonard Street, as crews worked to extinguish the fire, clean up hazardous materials, and inspect the roadway for structural damage.
By the evening, transportation officials confirmed that US-131 had fully reopened, restoring normal traffic flow after a day of significant disruption.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation as officials continue to assess the aftermath of the incident.
The dramatic حادث highlights the dangers of fuel transport accidents and the rapid impact such events can have on major transportation routes.