A 32-year-old Farmington man was killed yesterday in a multi-vehicle crash on eastbound I-96 near the Southfield Freeway, according to Michigan State Police. Troopers say his 2004 Toyota collided with a Wayne County salt truck and was then hit by a 2006 Jeep Commander. The two other drivers were not injured, and investigators stayed on the scene into Tuesday morning.
First Lt. Mike Shaw urged drivers to slow down and give plows plenty of room after the wreck, according to The Detroit News. Troopers told the paper they believe the Toyota sideswiped the salt truck while it was salting in the left lane, then came to rest in the center lane, where it was struck by the Jeep. Authorities have not publicly identified the victim, pending notification of his family, the report said.
How the crash unfolded
According to The Detroit News, state police say the chain of events started when the Toyota sideswiped the Wayne County snowplow that was salting in the left lane. The car then bounced into the center lane, where it was hit by the 2006 Jeep Commander. Both the Jeep driver and the salt-truck operator were unhurt.
The Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit is now handling the investigation. Troopers said they are still working to determine whether road conditions or driver behavior played a role in the collision.
Local stretch has seen work and recent crashes
The deadly crash happened at the M-39 (Southfield Freeway) interchange, a spot that has already been tricky for drivers this winter. The Michigan Department of Transportation has been repairing a sinkhole there and managing temporary lane and ramp closures, according to MDOT. That work has altered traffic patterns in the area and, troopers say, can make things more complicated when the weather turns bad.
Earlier this month, a separate deadly crash on I-96 added to the corridor's grim run of incidents. Hoodline coverage highlighted how stopped service vehicles and tow trucks can lead to secondary collisions, a concern again at play with plows and salt trucks working in active traffic lanes.
What officials are urging drivers to do
In the wake of the latest fatal crash, troopers and county road crews repeated familiar winter-driving warnings. They are asking motorists to slow down around service vehicles, avoid tailgating, and leave extra room for plows and salt trucks to operate.
MSP officials said they will release more details once the crash reconstruction is complete and the victim's family has been fully notified.
