In a tragic turn of events last night, a significant pileup on I-96 near Webberville, involving a total of 15 vehicles, resulted in the loss of four lives and left 17 others injured. According to FOX 17, the incident occurred around 11:42 p.m. as traffic began to move following a temporary shutdown for power line installation by Consumers Energy crews.
As detailed by the Michigan State Police and reported by WZZM 13, a semi-truck failed to notice the stationary traffic ahead, resulting in a collision that ignited a fire and caused a string of crashes. Among those involved were members of the Northview High School marching band, who were returning from state finals in Detroit. Fortunately, the Northview Band Boosters confirmed, all students were unharmed in the ordeal, although their musical instruments were not so lucky.
The complexity of the accident necessitated the closure of both westbound and eastbound lanes of I-96, a measure expected to remain in place indefinitely as investigations proceed, and to assess the structural integrity of the M-52 overpass, which may have sustained damage from the conflagration. WWMT relayed Michigan State Police's estimations of the number of vehicles involved and confirmed the number of casualties.
The identities of the deceased have not been disclosed pending notification of next of kin. The injured parties were transported to local hospitals, including the University of Michigan, Sparrow, and McLaren in Lansing, as reported by WWMT. The situation has also prompted a response from the Michigan Department of Transportation, which will be conducting a thorough inspection of the impacted overpass bridge, to ensure its safety for future travel.
