DETROIT, Mich. — The drivers of a tanker truck and another tractor-trailer that were involved in a major accident that led to the collapse of an overpass on I-75 north of Detroit have been praised for their actions.

The fiery crash led to a major ongoing inconvenience for road users, but it could have been a lot worse had it not been for the alert actions of the two professional drivers, the American Trucking Associations says. A car was also involved in the accident.

“Police say evasive action by two alert truck drivers prevented further devastation after a car lost control on a Detroit-area highway and caused an accident that led to a fuel tanker explosion and overpass collapse,” the Toledo Blade newspaper reported.

It was reported that the car driver lost control of his vehicle at 70 mph in a 50 mph speed zone, striking the tanker. The collision separated the tractor from the tanker trailer.

The ATA says the accident demonstrates the need for the further education of motorists on how to drive around big trucks. The association claims about 65-80% of serious truck/car collisions are caused by the passenger vehicle driver.