Late on a Saturday night near Webberville, Michigan, a devastating multi-vehicle accident resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including three residents from Lansing, according to updates from the Michigan State Police (MSP). The tragic incident unfolded around 11:42 p.m. on westbound Interstate 96 when a semi truck collided with more than a dozen vehicles that had come to a stop in a traffic backup. Among the deceased were two women, aged 20 and 43, and a 47-year-old man, all related and traveling in a Chevy Trax. The fourth victim, a 29-year-old man from Carson City driving a Ford F-150, was also involved in the collision.
The circumstances leading to the crash were tied to a prior traffic closure on I-96 due to power line installation work by DTE Energy. Troopers had recently reopened the expressway after the work had concluded, but they confirmed that this brief reopening resulted in numerous vehicles idling on the freeway. As the semi approached, it appears that the driver was unable to see the stopped traffic, leading to a catastrophic collision that resulted not only in fatalities but also serious injuries to at least 17 others involved. The semi struck vehicles while traveling in the left lane, igniting fires in several of the cars in the aftermath of the impact.
Following the collision, emergency medical services promptly transported the seriously injured, including the truck driver, to hospitals for treatment. The truck driver’s identity was not disclosed, but was taken to the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor for care. Victims of the crash were distributed among multiple medical facilities, including Sparrow and McLaren hospitals in Lansing. This horrific accident prompted immediate road closures; MSP indicated that westbound I-96 at M-52 would be shut down indefinitely, along with closures of north and southbound M-52 at the I-96 overpass for safety inspections.
In light of the accident, officials from DTE Energy clarified that their work to install power lines was coordinated with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), which provided oversight for the traffic control measures, including possible signage to alert drivers to the risks. DTE reiterated that they are not authorized to place signs on MDOT roadways, directing inquiries about signage to the state department. MDOT confirmed they had issued permits for the utility work, specifying that the management of the traffic control was in the purview of MSP.
As the investigation into the cause of the crash continues, the MSP noted that inspections were planned for the overpass due to the nature of the ongoing situation. The Ingham County Sheriff’s Department along with multiple local fire and emergency services responded to assist at the scene. The rapid response from various agencies reflects the seriousness of the incident, while the full implications on traffic patterns, road safety, and community mourning for the lost lives are just beginning to be felt.
As reported, this ongoing story will continue to develop with updates expected as more information becomes available. The collision, involving around 15 vehicles in total, represents a tragic instance of what can happen in unexpected road conditions, raising concerns about traffic management and safety measures amidst utility work. The community response, along with the thoughts for the victims’ families, will remain at the forefront as authorities work to uncover details surrounding this fatal crash.