(POKAGAN TOWNSHIP) - A two vehicle crash and fuel spill closed down a section of road in Cass County.
Michigan State Police say they were called at 9:30 PM Tuesday to M-51 and Peavine Street in Pokagon Township following a crash between a tanker hauling 13,352 gallons of fuel and another vehicle.
Troopers say the semi overturned and was leaking fuel, which prompted a hazmat response. Nearby residents were evacuated for their safety and so crews could bring the leak under control and clean up the area.
M-51 was closed for approximately seven hours and did not re-open until 4:30 AM Wednesday.
Troopers say 4,000 gallons of fuel was spilled, 2,500 gallons were lost and 1,500 gallons were recovered.
Assisting at the scene were the Cass County Sheriff's Office; the Pokagon Band Tribal Police; the Pokagon Township, Dowagiac and Clay Township Indiana Fire Departments; the Berrien County Regional Haz-Mat Team; the Michigan Department of Transportation and the SMCAS Ambulance Service.