A 29-year-old Howell woman driving a 2023 Hyundai Elantra west on Highland Road (M-59) in Oceola Township stopped to make a left turn at Gulley Road at about 3:25 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29.
A 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by a 30-year-old Fowlerville woman stopped behind the Elanta, as did a 2012 Lincoln MKZ driven by a 24-year-old Fowlerville woman. As the three vehicles were stopped, a 2024 Freightliner boom truck, driving by a 22-year-old Toronto resident, rear-ended the Lincoln, which then rear-ended the Grand Cherokee, which then rear-ended the Elantra.
The woman in the Lincoln was transported to the University of Michigan Medical Center in critical condition by Livingston County EMS. The other drivers were treated and examined at the scene with no injuries reported. All of the drivers were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash.
Distracted driving appears to be the contributing factor in the crash. The roadway remained closed for four hours for the investigation and clean up.
Deputies were assisted at the scene by personnel from Howell Area Fire Department, MDOT, and Livingston County EMS.
This incident remains under investigation by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Safety Bureau.
