A devastating semi-truck crash on Interstate 96 near Webberville, Michigan, claimed four lives and left 17 injured late Saturday night.
At a Glance
- Semi-truck collided with multiple vehicles stopped for utility work
- Four fatalities confirmed, including three family members from Lansing
- 17 people, including the semi-truck driver, were hospitalized
- Interstate 96 remains closed indefinitely for investigation and cleanup
- No utility workers were harmed in the incident
Tragic Collision on Interstate 96
A catastrophic crash unfolded on Interstate 96 near Webberville, Michigan, when a westbound semi-truck plowed into a line of vehicles stopped for utility work. The collision, which occurred late Saturday night, resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left 17 others injured. The impact ignited a fire that engulfed the semi-truck and several other vehicles, creating a scene of chaos and destruction on the highway.
Michigan State Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Preliminary reports suggest that the semi-truck driver failed to notice the backed-up traffic in time to stop. The tragedy has left the community reeling and raised questions about road safety during utility work operations.
There was a terrible crash downstate on Interstate 96. https://t.co/LiV8yIGwur
— 9&10 News (@9and10News) November 3, 2024
Victims Identified
Among the deceased are three family members from Lansing: a 20-year-old female, a 43-year-old female, and a 47-year-old male. The fourth victim was identified as a 29-year-old man from Carson City. The loss of these individuals has sent shockwaves through their communities, leaving friends and family to grapple with the sudden and tragic nature of their deaths.
“It appears the driver of the semi-truck did not see the backup and could not stop his vehicle in time,” Michigan State Police said.
The semi-truck driver was among the 17 injured individuals transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. The extent of the injuries sustained by the survivors varies, and local medical facilities are working diligently to provide necessary care and support to those affected by this tragic event.
Ongoing Cleanup and Road Closures
The aftermath of the crash has resulted in significant disruptions to traffic flow in the area. Authorities have closed both westbound and eastbound lanes of Interstate 96 for an “undetermined time,” according to Michigan State Police. The closure is necessary to facilitate the ongoing investigation, cleanup efforts, and assessment of potential structural damage to the roadway.
In addition to the interstate closure, Michigan Highway 52 at the overpass will be shut down on Sunday and possibly Monday as a safety precaution. These closures are expected to cause significant traffic disruptions in the area, and motorists are advised to seek alternative routes and exercise patience during this time.
Four people were killed and 17 were injured in a massive traffic crash along Interstate 96 near Webberville, Michigan — about 70 miles west of Detroit — late Saturday night. https://t.co/p8nPNa7wR2
— FOX 17 (@FOX17) November 3, 2024
As the investigation continues and recovery efforts progress, local authorities and transportation officials are working tirelessly to restore normalcy to the affected stretch of Interstate 96.
