Boston Township, Mich. — A deadly multi-vehicle collision occurred Saturday evening on eastbound I-96 near Clarksville, involving a semi-truck and eight passenger vehicles. The Michigan State Police (MSP) reported that the crash took place at approximately 6:30 p.m. near Nash Highway, causing significant disruption to traffic.
According to MSP, traffic had been stopped due to ongoing construction in the area. However, the semi-truck failed to stop and crashed into the line of vehicles. The impact resulted in several people being injured, with multiple victims rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Authorities confirmed that one individual, an 80-year-old man from Okemos, Michigan, succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash. His identity has not been released pending notification of family members.
The accident forced the closure of both eastbound and westbound lanes of I-96. Westbound lanes were shut down after Jordan Lake Road, and eastbound lanes were closed following Nash Highway. Traffic was rerouted for several hours while emergency responders and authorities worked at the scene. Both lanes of the highway have since reopened.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Michigan State Police reminded motorists to exercise caution when driving through construction zones. “This is a reminder that when you see the orange barrels, prepare for slow-downs and remain focused on the roadway ahead,” MSP emphasized.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but authorities are focusing on the failure of the semi-truck to stop in the construction zone as a primary factor. The incident has raised concerns about the importance of maintaining attention and following posted speed limits in construction zones to ensure the safety of all road users.
As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone who may have witnessed the crash to come forward with any additional information.
