WILLIAMSTON, Mich. – Four people were killed and 17 were seriously injured in a massive pileup on I-96 in Ingham County on Saturday night.
The crash happened at around 11:42 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, on I-96 at M-52. Michigan State Police said troopers from the Lansing and Brighton post were working in the area with DTE Energy to string power lines across the expressway when the crash happened.
The work required the expressway to be shut down so crews could pull lines across the road. The troopers had completed a shut down on westbound I-96 at M-52 on the overpass and had just reopened the expressway.
Police said numerous vehicles were stopped on the expressway when a semi truck with a trailer traveling west came up on the stopped traffic. Police believe the driver of the semi truck did not see the backup and could not stop his vehicle in time.
The semi truck was in the left lane and struck “numerous” vehicles, according to police. The crash caused the semi truck and other vehicles to catch fire. Police estimate that around 15 vehicles were involved in the crash, including the semi truck.
Police said four people were killed and 17 people were transported to area hospitals for “serious” injuries.
A 29-year-old man from Carson City who was driving a Ford F-150 truck was killed in the crash. The three other victims were all related and were in a Chevy Trax. They were a 20-year-old woman, 43-year-old woman, and 47-year-old man, all from Lansing.
Westbound I-96 is expected to be closed while police investigate the crash and possible structural damage to the overpass at M-52 due to the fire. Eastbound I-96 will be closed indefinitely.
As of 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, crews were still working to clean up debris on westbound I-96 at M-52. The overpass is still closed and will be closed “indefinitely” because MDOT needs to inspect the bridge for structural integrity
Michigan State Police said they do not expect the road to be open anytime soon -- and that anyone who takes the route for work should seek another route or expect heavy backups on Monday.
Troopers from the Lansing Post are handling a multi-car traffic crash on I-96 at M-52. At this time both east and westbound I-96 are closed. Find another route. Updates to follow. pic.twitter.com/x6wTjIH4lj
— MSP First District (@MSPFirstDist) November 3, 2024