Tragedy struck early Saturday on I-75 near Detroit, where two women lost their lives in a wrong-way crash. A 56-year-old woman from Brownstown and a 21-year-old woman from Garden City were pronounced dead after their vehicles collided head-on, according to FOX 2 Detroit. Authorities received reports of the accident around 4 a.m. near Outer Drive in Lincoln Park, with the Garden City woman driving a Chevy Equinox north in the southbound lanes when she struck the southbound Jeep.
The Brownstown woman was declared dead at the scene, while the wrong-way driver was transported to a hospital and subsequently died from her injuries. The crash incited hours of closure for all southbound lanes of I-75 until 10 a.m., causing significant disruptions, as reported by MLive. The freeway was subsequently opened six hours later, affecting commuters' morning routines.
Michigan State Police are investigating the cause of the fatal mishap. "Our traffic crash reconstructionist is investigating this crash," F/Lt Mike Shaw said. "At this time we are not sure why the at-fault driver entered the freeway the wrong way," he shared in a statement obtained by FOX 2 Detroit. Autopsy results are pending to determine if impairment played any role in the tragic event.
According to a tweet cited by WWJ Newsradio 950, Michigan State Police disclosed that they were alerted to the wrong-way vehicle moments before the collision. The investigation continues as the family members of both victims, being notified of the crash, are likely reckoning with their sudden and devastating loss.
