GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A heavy snowstorm during Wednesday’s evening commute caused hazardous driving conditions throughout Kent County, resulting in a series of crashes and vehicle slide-offs.
According to Kent County dispatch, around 8:30 p.m., a pickup truck rear-ended a Grandville fire truck on westbound I-196 near Chicago Drive. The fire truck had its lights activated as it was parked to block a lane while responding to an earlier crash involving a box truck that had rolled over. The driver of the pickup truck sustained injuries, though no firefighters were hurt in the incident. Michigan State Police (MSP) indicated that speed and alcohol may have played a role in the crash.
The earlier crash involving the box truck also led to minor injuries for the driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle. Emergency crews were on the scene managing the response when the second accident occurred.
Between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Kent County dispatch reported 60 crashes and several slide-offs across the county. The storm, which brought steady snowfall throughout the day and evening, created dangerous conditions on local roads. The National Weather Service had issued a winter weather advisory for most of West Michigan, set to remain in effect until 7 a.m. Thursday.
Storm Team 8 had forecasted that the heaviest snow would fall from mid-afternoon through late evening, making travel especially treacherous. By Thursday morning, nearly half a foot of snow was expected to accumulate in some areas.
In response to the dangerous road conditions, the Kent County Road Commission deployed a 90-person day crew to manage the roads during rush hour and a 40-person night crew to continue clearing snow overnight. The crews focused on high-volume, high-speed roads as well as bridge decks and overpasses, which tend to freeze faster than regular roadways.
Authorities reminded drivers to exercise caution when traveling in winter weather. “Slow down, leave plenty of space between you and other vehicles, and remove any distractions from your vehicle,” advised the Kent County Road Commission. Drivers were also urged to ensure their headlights and windshield wipers were in proper working order for better visibility in the storm.
As snow continued to fall through the evening, local officials advised drivers to stay alert and be prepared for hazardous travel conditions.
