A tragic collision on Thanksgiving Day in Macomb County, Michigan, claimed the life of a 3-year-old girl and left three others with life-threatening injuries, authorities confirmed. The crash occurred around 5:20 p.m. on Van Dyke Avenue (M-53) near Ebeling Road in Bruce Township. A 2011 Chevrolet Impala carrying a father and his two children reportedly veered into the northbound lanes, resulting in a head-on impact with a 2013 Chevrolet Impala driven by an 18-year-old woman from Davison, as detailed in reports by CBS News Detroit and other outlets.
Michigan State Police, as reported by MLive, noted that the Impala was southbound when it inexplicably crossed into the opposing traffic lane. The 18-year-old woman was said to have been following her boyfriend's car before the crash; her boyfriend managed to swerve to avoid being struck. Initial findings suggest the father did not apply brakes before the crash. The two children in his vehicle, unfortunately, were not properly restrained, with only one car seat found in the car.
The 3-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene, while her 2-year-old brother was rushed to a local hospital, then subsequently transferred to a children's hospital with life-threatening injuries. The father and the young woman each sustained critical injuries and were taken to a local hospital for treatment. According to Detroit Free Press, the Bruce Township Fire Department, located near the crash site, played a pivotal role in extricating all passengers from the wreckage. The matter is currently under investigation with a blood draw taken as part of the standard procedure, the police statement mentioned.
MSP First Lieutenant Mike Shaw expressed the weight of the tragedy, particularly on a family-centric holiday. "It is particularly heartbreaking when a preventable crash occurs on a holiday," Shaw said. "It is even worse when a child loses their life." The statement highlights the importance of seatbelt usage and proper child restraints during every car trip. As First Lt. Shaw told CBS News Detroit, "Please make sure to wear your seatbelt and that your children are properly restrained every trip."
