This story was updated to correct an inaccuracy from Michigan State Police and to add additional photos and video.
LEROY TWP. – Four people were killed and 17 others seriously injured after a semi struck more than a dozen vehicles stopped for a traffic backup on westbound Interstate 96 near Webberville late Saturday night, Michigan State Police said.
The crash occurred about 11:42 p.m., shortly after state police reopened the westbound lanes of the freeway because of a power line installation near the M-52 overpass, according to MSP. The freeway had been closed earlier in the evening so DTE Energy crews could install power lines across it.
“The troopers had just completed a shutdown on westbound I-96 at M-52 on the overpass and had just reopened the expressway,” MSP said in a social media post. “At the time numerous vehicles were stopped on the expressway. A semi truck with trailer was westbound on the expressway coming up on the stopped traffic. It appears the driver of the semi-truck did not see the backup and could not stop his vehicle in time.”
The semi was in the left lane and struck numerous vehicles, MSP said, and the impact caused the semi and many of the involved vehicles to catch fire.
MSP said early Sunday it believed that “approximately” 15 vehicles, including the semi, were involved in the crash.
Crash victims were taken to University of Michigan Sparrow and McLaren hospitals in Lansing, police said.
I-96 is expected to remain closed indefinitely for both westbound and eastbound vehicles for the crash investigation and to examine potential damage to the M-52 overpass bridge due to the fire from the crash.
The Michigan Department of Transportation is planning an inspection of the bridge over the freeway, MSP said.
State police said further updates would be issued as information becomes available.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: I-96 closed in Ingham County after crash kills 4, seriously injures 17
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