WEBBERVILLE, Mich. (AP) — A tragic incident unfolded on Interstate 96 in southeast Michigan, resulting in the closure of a section of the highway. The devastating crash occurred when a semitruck collided with over a dozen vehicles, leading to the loss of four lives and injuries to 17 individuals, as reported by state police.
The incident took place late Saturday near Webberville, following a temporary halt in traffic due to utility work on power lines in the vicinity. At approximately 11:45 p.m., a semitruck with a trailer was traveling westbound and failed to notice the stationary vehicles, resulting in the catastrophic collision.
Michigan State Police indicated that the driver of the semitruck was unable to stop in time upon encountering the traffic backup. The impact of the crash caused multiple vehicles, including the semitruck, to catch fire, with more than a dozen vehicles being involved in the tragic event.
Tragically, four individuals lost their lives in the crash, while 17 others, including the semitruck driver, sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. The victims were identified as a 29-year-old man from Carson City driving a Ford pickup, and three relatives from Lansing who were in a Chevy Trax, comprising a 20-year-old female, a 43-year-old female, and a 47-year-old male.
Authorities are actively engaged in cleanup operations at the crash site, with Michigan State Police confirming that the affected section of I-96 will remain closed for an unspecified duration as investigations and recovery efforts continue.
