LANSING, MI – A horrific accident shattered the quiet of the night when a semi-truck barreled into stationary traffic on I-96 near Webberville, leading to a fiery crash that claimed four lives and left 17 others injured. The scene unfolded just before midnight, leaving a trail of chaos and destruction in its wake.
Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moments as the semi-truck, moving at high speed, collided with a line of vehicles halted at the intersection of I-96 and M-52. The impact was devastating, igniting a fire that engulfed several cars and sent a plume of smoke into the night sky.
Michigan State Police have launched an investigation to uncover the sequence of events leading to this tragedy. Preliminary reports suggest the truck was traveling in the left lane when it suddenly struck the queued vehicles. Moments before the crash, traffic had been managed for utility work, adding a layer of complexity to the situation.
As dawn broke, the grim scene revealed a tangled mass of wreckage, with emergency responders working tirelessly to clear the highway. The road remains closed, with no immediate timeline for reopening, as authorities continue their meticulous work.
Tow truck operators, who have seen their share of accidents, remarked on the severity of this incident, calling it one of the worst they’ve encountered in recent memory. The community is reeling, with an outpouring of support for the victims and their families.
Local officials are urging caution as drivers navigate alternative routes, emphasizing the importance of road safety and attentiveness. As the investigation unfolds, the community awaits answers and hopes for measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
This accident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life and the need for vigilance on the roads. As families mourn and the community offers support, efforts will focus on understanding how this happened and ensuring it does not occur again.