LYON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WWJ) — A stranded motorist is in critical condition after a suspected drunk driver slammed into their disabled vehicle at highway speeds early Sunday morning in Oakland County.
The crash occurred at about 2:30 a.m. on westbound I-96 near Old Plank Road in Lyon Township. Michigan State Police said the Detroit Regional Communication Center initially received multiple calls regarding a disabled Ford Fusion blocking the closed left flex lane.
While troopers were on their way to the scene, witnesses told police the driver of a Ford Bronco was speeding past traffic when they rear-ended the disabled Fusion. Investigators said the Bronco driver never applied the brakes before the collision.
At the time of the impact, the driver of the Fusion was either preparing to exit the vehicle or standing near the open driver's door. The force of the crash pushed the victim directly into the median wall.
The driver of the Fusion was transported to a local hospital and remains in critical condition. The driver of the Bronco also required medical treatment and showed visible signs of intoxication, according to police. Authorities obtained a search warrant for a blood draw to determine the driver's blood alcohol content.
The freeway was shut down for several hours while troopers investigated the scene, but it has since reopened to traffic.
With the St. Patrick's Day holiday approaching, police are using the tragic incident as a reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence.
“This investigation is ongoing and pends results of the blood test,” Michigan State Police First Lt. Mike Shaw said in a statement. “As we approach St. Patrick’s Day, we want to remind drivers to not drive impaired. There are a lot of options out there to make it home without getting behind the wheel impaired. There is never a reason to drive impaired, ever.”