A tragic incident unfolded in Monroe County on Monday evening when a 30-year-old woman perished after her vehicle collided with a truck. Jessica E. Benner, from Carleton, was identified as the victim of the crash which occurred on North Telegraph Road, as reported by FOX 2 Detroit. Craig S. Chinavare, a 65-year-old resident of Carleton, was driving a red 2012 International 4000 flat-bed truck and was struck by Benner's gray 2012 Ford Escape.
According to details from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, Chinavare's truck came to a stop to turn into a private drive around 5 p.m. and at that moment, he was rear-ended by Benner. CBS Detroit noted the truck had its brake lights and left turn signal activated. The force of impact spun Benner's vehicle off the road where it finally came to rest on the shoulder.
Police have indicated that while Chinavare was wearing his seatbelt, Benner was not at the time of the crash. According to ClickOnDetroit, this lack of restraint may have been a contributing factor to the severity of her injuries. Chinavare fortunately sustained no injuries and was released from the scene shortly after the accident.
Authorities have ruled out alcohol and speed as contributors to the accident. The deployed airbags in the Ford Escape signal the sudden impact but offer little consolation to a tragic outcome. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office continues their investigation and are asking anyone with information to call 734-240-7541, or to reach out to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-Speak-Up.
