Four Dead in Multi-Vehicle Accident on I-96 in Ingham County
Late Saturday night, a catastrophic multi-vehicle accident unfolded on westbound I-96 in Ingham County, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuring 17 others. The incident, which occurred around 11:42 p.m. near M-52 in the Webberville area, involved a devastating pile-up of approximately 15 vehicles, many of which were engulfed in flames.
The crash transpired shortly after the Michigan State Police (MSP) had temporarily closed the highway to facilitate essential work by DTE Energy crews on power lines above the expressway. Once the road was reopened, some vehicles remained stationary, waiting to resume their journey. As traffic began to flow again, a semi-truck with a trailer, reportedly unable to see the stopped vehicles in time, collided into them, sparking a fiery chain reaction.
The impact of the collision was catastrophic, igniting the semi-truck and several other vehicles in a blaze that compounded the chaos on the highway. Emergency services rushed to the scene to battle the flames and tend to the victims.
Among those who tragically lost their lives was a 29-year-old man from Carson City, who was driving a Ford F-150 pickup truck at the time of the accident. The other three fatalities were residents of Lansing: a 20-year-old woman, a 43-year-old woman, and 47-year-old Brandon Glasscoe. Reports indicate that three of the deceased were occupants of a single vehicle, while the driver of the pickup truck was ejected from his vehicle upon impact.
In addition to the fatalities, 17 others suffered serious injuries and were promptly transported to local hospitals, including University of Michigan Health-Sparrow and McLaren Hospitals in Lansing. The driver of the semi-truck also sustained severe burn injuries and was among those taken to the hospital for treatment.
The intense fires resulting from the collision necessitated prolonged closures on I-96 and M-52 as crews from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) evaluated the structural integrity of the overpass and worked to clear the extensive wreckage. The area remained closed for nearly 24 hours while emergency responders, including fire and medical teams, coordinated to ensure the scene was safe for reopening.
Access to westbound I-96 near Webberville was finally restored on Monday morning, allowing traffic to resume after an extensive clean-up effort. The MSP is continuing its investigation into the accident, gathering vital information to determine all contributing factors in this tragic incident.
This harrowing accident not only highlights the dangers of highway travel but also serves as a poignant reminder of the risks that can arise when roadway conditions are compromised. The impact of this accident will be felt by the victims' families, friends, and the wider community as they mourn their loss and seek answers in the wake of such a devastating event.
In a statement, MSP expressed their condolences to the families affected and urged all drivers to exercise caution, especially in areas where road work is being conducted. The department emphasized the importance of adhering to traffic regulations and being vigilant while driving, particularly during adverse conditions.
As the investigation progresses, more details will likely emerge about the events leading up to this tragic accident. Authorities are committed to uncovering the full circumstances to prevent similar incidents in the future and to ensure that roadways remain safe for all travelers.
