US-131 Tanker Fire in Grand Rapids: Photos Released

A fiery crash on southbound US-131 near Pearl Street brought downtown Grand Rapids to a halt Saturday morning.

Crash Details: How the Blaze Started and Firefighter Response

Two semi-trucks collided, sparking flames and explosions that engulfed the highway and drew a major response from the Grand Rapids Fire Department. US-131 was closed for several hours.

👇BELOW: SEE PHOTOS OF FIERY CRASH RELEASED BY GRAND RAPIDS FIRE DEPARTMENT👇

Firefighters arrived around 8:05 a.m., confirming everyone had escaped before attacking the blaze. One truck, a gasoline tanker carrying 8,000 gallons, ignited on impact. The fire involved hazardous materials, bringing in hazmat teams and specialized equipment to contain it. The Grand Rapids Fire Department released striking photos of towering flames and thick smoke, showing the severity of the crash.

The Grand Rapids Police Department continues to investigate the cause. Both drivers were taken to local hospitals with minor injuries, and thankfully, no one was seriously hurt.

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Highway Damage and Repair Plans

Highway damage from the fire will require weeks of repairs. Fox 17 reports that southbound US-131 will have double lane closures, while northbound lanes will see a single lane closure as crews fix a retaining wall and a barrier wall.

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The GRFD photos capture the chaos of the scene, the courage of first responders, and the dramatic scale of the fire. Scroll through the gallery to see the full set of images from the incident.

Massive US-131 Tanker Fire in Grand Rapids

A fiery crash involving two semi-trucks on southbound US-131 near Pearl Street on the morning of April 4, 2026, ignited a tanker, sending flames and smoke across the highway. Both drivers were taken to local hospitals with minor injuries.

Grand Rapids firefighters responded quickly to contain the blaze. The highway was closed for several hours while crews managed the fire and ensured everyone’s safety. The photos show the full force of the fire and the skill of first responders on scene.

Gallery Credit: Janna