Police say a fiery crash that shut down a Michigan highway for several hours was caused by a 24-year-old truck driver reaching for his cell phone.
The incident occurred on Thursday, January 19th, on U.S. 131 in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
According to Kalamazoo Public Safety, the tractor trailer was traveling southbound when the driver reached for his phone, swerved out his lane, and struck a disabled vehicle near the Parkview Drive overpass.
The truck’s fuel tank ruptured, spilling diesel fuel and causing the rig to catch fire.
The driver of the truck was not injured. The 45-year-old woman is the disabled vehicle suffered a minor leg injury.
Southbound U.S. 131 was closed for two hours in order for cleanup crews to clear the scene.
The 24-year-old truck driver was cited for improper lane use.