A late-night crash on southbound I-75 near Grange Hall Road in northern Oakland County turned tragic Wednesday, leaving two adults and two children dead and shutting down a busy holiday-week stretch of freeway, authorities said.
The collision happened around 9 p.m., snarling traffic as emergency crews rushed in and worked well into the night. Drivers were warned to brace for long delays while investigators documented the scene and tow trucks cleared the wreckage.
Authorities confirm four people killed
According to WXYZ, Michigan State Police said on social media that four people, two adults and two children, were killed in the crash. Responders remained on scene as investigators kept lanes blocked so they could work safely, the outlet reported.
Southbound I-75 shut down near Grange Hall
ClickOnDetroit reported that the crash occurred at about 9:10 p.m. Wednesday. Traffic was initially restricted before authorities moved to close all southbound lanes in the area. Officials urged drivers to find alternate routes while crews dealt with the crash and its aftermath.
Problem stretch of freeway had prior warnings
First responders have been sounding the alarm about this part of I-75 for months. The construction detour around Grange Hall has become a headache and a hazard, and FOX 2 Detroit previously detailed how local fire chiefs pleaded with drivers to slow down and stay in their vehicles after collisions. Officials and the Michigan Department of Transportation have been working on changes to signage and emergency access along the corridor.
What police are saying now
In a social media update, Michigan State Police asked motorists to avoid the area and seek an alternate route if possible and said emergency responders were still on scene while the left lane remained open, according to the agency’s post. Authorities have not released the names of the victims and said more information will be shared as the investigation continues.
