Driver involved in I-75 tanker crash has died

(WJBK) - The driver involved in the tanker crash and fire Thursday on Interstate-75 has died, his company confirmed in a press release.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of a longtime member of the Corrigan family,” said Mike Corrigan, president of Corrigan Oil Company. “Corrigan Oil has been family owned for over 50 years and considers every employee to be a part of that family. Our thoughts and prayers will remain with the driver’s wife and two daughters during these tough times.” You can read the full company statement below.

The driver, 53-year-old Roddy Winn, had been in critical condition after the crash with severe burns on the majority of his body.

The crash happened around 3 a.m. near the Lincoln Park-Melvindale border. The crash closed both sides of the interstate at Schaefer for several hours. The southbound lanes reopened Thursday around 11 a.m., and the northbound lanes between Outer Drive and Southfield Road remain closed. The Michigan Department of Transportation has said it hopes to have the northbound lanes reopened Monday morning.

The tanker was carrying thousands of gallons of fuel at the time of the accident. The fuel destroyed the concrete on all lanes, the median and a ramp.

"The concrete surface is pretty much incinerated," said Diane Cross of MDOT. "And it's not going to be safe to drive on. It can't take the weight of all the vehicles."

She suggests drivers looking for a detour to get off at Southfield, go east to Ford Street, north to Outer Drive and get back on I-75 there.

Here is the statement in full from Corrigan Oil Company:

"Following yesterday’s tragic fuel tanker accident on I-75 at the Lincoln Park-Melvindale border near Detroit, Corrigan Oil Company has confirmed that the company’s driver injured in the crash has passed away.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of a longtime member of the Corrigan family,” said Mike Corrigan, president of Corrigan Oil Company. “Corrigan Oil has been family owned for over 50 years and considers every employee to be a part of that family. Our thoughts and prayers will remain with the driver’s wife and two daughters during these tough times.”

The driver was being treated for injuries at a local hospital following the early morning accident on Aug. 20.

“The safety and well being of our employees, contractors and neighbors will always continue to be our first priority,” said Corrigan."