BIRCH RUN TOWNSHIP, MI —

The driver of a semi tanker hauling acrylic acid swerved to avoid a fire truck, causing

, police said.

The tanker leaked acid after the crash that happened about 5:30 p.m. Sunday, April 21, on I-75, near Birch Run, police said.

The driver, along with several Birch Run firefighters, were taken to a Saginaw hospital for treatment for exposure to the hazardous material, according to the Michigan State Police at the Tri-City Post.

Southbound I-75 was re-opened about 7:15 a.m., according to Saginaw County 911.

Northbound lanes of travel remained closed.

The driver of a

told police he swerved to avoid hitting a firetruck that was blocking the roadway for

near the 136 mile marker, police said.

I-75 acid tanker overturned 7 Gallery: I-75 acid tanker overturned

"The driver stated that he observed the fire truck in the roadway, but felt he was unable to stop before striking the fire truck, so he attempted to swerve off the roadway to the right in an attempt to miss the fire truck," according to a Michigan State Police news release.

The acid was "slowly leaking out" after the crash, causing evacuations of the mall and movie theater.

Birch Run fire officials said the acid is flammable and combustible and would have to be off-loaded before the truck could be righted.

According to Jeff Martin, public affairs for Dow Chemical,

from Dow’s Rohm and Haas Deer Park, Texas facility and was en route to Styron’s Midland plant. Dow’s emergency response team "worked closely with third party emergency professionals at the scene," Martin said.

The driver of the semi was also treated for minor injuries, police said, and he was issued a hazardous citation.

The Saginaw County Sheriff's Office, Birch Run Fire Department, Clio Fire Department, Birch Run Police Department and MMR assisted Michigan State Police at the scene.

Brad Devereaux Email | Facebook | Twitter | 989-372-2442