Editor’s note: Story updated to include information on road closures.
Four people are confirmed dead, and 17 others have been transported to Lansing-area hospitals with serious injuries after approximately 15 vehicles were involved in a Saturday night crash on I-96 near M-52, west of Fowlerville, in which some of them caught fire.
Troopers from the Michigan State Police had just completed a shutdown on westbound I-96 at M-52 so a DTE Energy detail could pull power lines across the expressway. There were numerous vehicles stopped on I-96.
According to the Michigan State Police, at about 11:42 p.m. Saturday, a semi truck with trailer heading west on I-96 could not see the backup and could not stop his vehicle in time for.
The semi truck was traveling in the left lane and hit numerous vehicles, causing numerous ones — including the semi — to catch fire.
MSP advises that I-96 will be closed for an indefinite length of time because of the crash investigation and possible structural damage to the overpass at M-52 because of the fire. The Michigan Department of Transportation will be inspecting the bridge. Drivers will also not be able to drive M-52 at I-96 as the roadway is closed for safety reasons. Drivers who take this route to work are advised to find another way or expect heavy backups.
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