On Thursday morning, two people lost their lives while two others suffered injuries following a chain-reaction crash in Farmington Hills.
As per the initial information, the fatal multi-vehicle wreck took place just before 10:30 a.m. on WB I-696 near the I-275 interchange. The preliminary investigation indicated that a 57-year-old semi-truck driver was going on WB I-696 towards Interstate 96 when they failed to stop for traffic. The truck hit the rear of a Buick LaCrosse and led to a chain reaction hitting three other vehicles.
The two occupants of the Buick LaCrosse, a driver and a passenger, succumbed to their injuries at the scene. Two other drivers involved in the wreck were rushed to local hospitals with non-fatal injuries. Reports further revealed that another vehicle was struck, probably another semi-truck who might have not realized they were involved in the accident. The vehicle has blue lettering and will have damage to the passenger side, officials mentioned.
The freeway was blocked between I-275 and Orchard Lake Road, causing major traffic backups in the area. All traffic was rerouted off the freeway at the Orchard Lake exit. According to the authorities, the traffic on I-96, I-275 and M-5 was also impacted due to the crash. Motorists on westbound I-696 to exit at Northwestern Highway were asked to use 12 Mile Road as alternate route. It is unknown when the WB I-696 will reopen. No other details are made available.
The incident remains under investigation.
June 24, 2022
Source: WWJ News Radio