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Haz-Mat pump gives out as crews continue to clear I-94

Posted at 2:02 PM, Jan 10, 2015
and last updated 2015-01-10 14:31:25-05

KALAMAZOO COUNTY, Mich. — A large pump being used to clear hazardous material from the scene of Friday’s massive pileup has quit working as of 1:30 p.m. Saturday, this according to Michigan State Police on scene.  It is unclear at this time the cause of the failure, though officers on scene say the cold temperature may be contributing.  The dangerous substance present on the highway is the result of a tanker truck that was wrecked in the midst of the 193-vehicle pileup.

The Haz-Mat team is working to move the hazardous materials from the tanker before hauling away the other vehicles, though several tractor trailers sat tangled in the debris, slowing clean-up efforts even more.

One death and at least 20 injuries have been reported so far as a result of Friday’s pileup.

Battle Creek Police are asking travelers to try and avoid I-94 between mile marker 98 (M-66) and mile marker 92 through the weekend.

FOX 17 continues to have a crew at the scene, and will update this story as new information becomes available.