At least two people have lost their lives following a devastating multi-car crash on Interstate 75 in Detroit on Sunday afternoon. According to Michigan State Police, the incident unfolded around 3 p.m. near Mack Avenue and involved four vehicles.
The crash was initiated when the driver of a Ford Crown Victoria, identified as 58 years old, collided with the rear of a Chevrolet Traverse, pushing it violently forward. This Chevrolet then struck a Kia Telluride, which was occupied by four individuals, causing it to hit a Jeep Wrangler, which had one passenger. Authorities confirmed the at-fault driver of the Ford did not brake before the collision, leading to the tragic outcome.
According to reports, the impact resulted in the deaths of two individuals at the scene. A 50-year-old man from Novi, who was traveling as a passenger in the Ford Crown Victoria, was pronounced dead on the spot. Equally tragic was the death of a 56-year-old woman from Farmington Hills, who was riding as a passenger in the Kia Telluride. Both fatalities have prompted authorities to take this incident seriously.
Michigan State Police confirmed on social media there were multiple fatalities involved, stating, “The freeway has been closed since shortly after the crash to investigate the incident.” While the investigation is still active, police mentioned they would submit their findings to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office for review.
First Lieutenant Mike Shaw from the Michigan State Police emphasized the importance of driver attentiveness and road responsibility after the collision. “It is important for all drivers to understand every time they get behind the wheel, they are not only responsible for themselves and their passengers, but also for others on the road with them,” Shaw articulated.
He went on to remind the public, “Driving requires all of our attention, all of the time. Driving conditions can change in a split second, and if drivers are not paying attention, it can be deadly.”
Video footage captured by local motorists shows the severity of the crash, as emergency responders were seen tending to the wreckage and transporting individuals away from the scene. The photographs depicted significant damage to the vehicles involved, leading to speculation about the force of the impact.
Witness accounts indicated chaos when the crash occurred, with some describing the crash as “shocking” due to how quickly it took place. “One moment we were just driving, and the next, there was this huge cloud of smoke and debris,” recalled one eyewitness who preferred to remain anonymous.
The stretch of the freeway remained closed for several hours as police worked diligently to gather evidence and reconstruct the scene for their investigation on Sunday. The closure of I-75 disrupted traffic considerably, with many motorists seeking alternate routes during the heavy congestion.
This incident has raised alarms about road safety standards and has reignited discussions about the dangers of distracted driving. Community members have expressed their condolences for the victims and their families, underscoring the tragedy of preventable accidents on busy highways.
Law enforcement agencies have consistently reminded drivers about the perils of inattentiveness behind the wheel, reiterations echoing Shaw's statements about the need for vigilance. Further investigations may lead to potential charges against the driver deemed at fault.
The Michigan State Police continue to investigate the multi-fatality crash, emphasizing their commitment to preventing similar tragedies on the state's highways. This incident serves as a harrowing reminder of the need for consistent focus and caution when behind the wheel.
Updates on this story will be provided as more information becomes available, with authorities working to clarify the sequence of events leading to this unfortunate accident.