COOPER TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Eight fire departments and six other agencies helped mitigate a hazmat situation after a tanker crash in Kalamazoo County Monday morning.
The crash happened north of C Avenue on Riverview Drive in Cooper Township before noon, according to the Battle Creek Fire Department.
The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) says a distracted driver traveled south in an SUV when the vehicle crossed the centerline and sideswiped the propane truck, which was traveling in the opposite direction.
The propane truck overturned as a result of the crash, according to BCFD. It was hauling 1,600 gallons of propane fuel.
No one was seriously hurt but nearby residents had to be evacuated due to a propane leak, deputies explain.
BCFD says its hazmat team responded and remained at the crash scene for more than 13 hours. They helped unload the propane safely and assisted deputies in keeping everyone in the area safe.
KCSO credits fire departments from Cooper Township, Otsego, Gun Plain, Hickory Corners, Alamo Township, Richland Township, Ross-Augusta and Plainwell Public safety for their assistance. Deputies also extend their gratitude to BCFD's hazmat team, McDonald's Towing and Heavy Rescue, Salvation Army, the Kalamazoo County Road Commission, Farrell Gas Co. and Kalamazoo County Emergency Management.
Sheriff Fuller strongly advises motorists to refrain from driving while distracted, as Monday's events could have led to more catastrophic results.
Stricter laws against distracted driving go into effect June 30.
RELATED: Gov. Whitmer signs legislation to prevent distracted driving
