Early this morning, a pedestrian tragedy struck on US-31 near Holland, Michigan, where a semi-truck fatally collided with a 47-year-old Holland Township man. WOOD TV reports that the incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. at the intersection of US-31 and James Street in Holland Township. The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was hit while crossing the street and the semi-truck was moving with a green light, according to Sgt. Matthew Wildfong of the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office.
Following the tragic event, southbound traffic on US-31 experienced significant disruption. FOX 17 News states that the road was shut down for over two hours as authorities conducted their investigation. It was not until about 8 a.m. that the lanes were reopened, easing the morning's traffic halt that had inevitably ensnared early commuters.
As the community grieves, the question lingers about the pedestrian's actions before the fatal strike. Sgt. Wildfong told WZZM 13, "Investigators are still unsure why the man had been crossing the street when he was." Meanwhile, local authorities are emphasizing the importance of road safety and vigilance.
The semi-truck, hosting two occupants at the tragedy's time, was fortunately unharmed. As the police work on notifying family members, the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office has held back releasing the name of the deceased.
