CANTON TWP. (WWJ) -- Nine people were take a hospital from the scene of fiery crash at Ford and Haggerty roads in Canton Township, Wednesday afternoon.
According to Canton Township Police Chief, Joseph Bialy, five were people the in vehicles involved in the wreck, and four were responding officers who were hurt in the line of duty.
Bialy said the 911 call came in just after 1 p.m. about people who were trapped inside their vehicles after a crash involving a semi truck and an SUV
The cab of the semi caught fire, causing thick dark smoke to billow into the air.
"Emergency units responding quicky, rendering aid to five victims. In the process, four officers and five victims were injured and taken to the hospital," Bialy said.
Bialy said three of the officers suffered smoke inhalation and one had burns.
All nine people were listed in serious but stable condition, Bialy said, and all were expected to survive.
Bialy said, while the investigation is ongoing, early information is that the SUV was headed southbound in the northbound lanes at a high rate of speed when it crashed into the semi, which was turning.
"Based upon that, the truck had some fluid that had spilled on the ground which ignited, causing the passengers to be trapped inside the vehicles," he said. "Our responding officers quickly took action, going into the fire and removing all of the occupants from the vehicles."
Police shut down the intersection of Ford Rd. and Haggerty in all directions, and urged drives to avoid the area. WWJ's Jon Hewett noted that the stop lights at the insection were damaged in the fire, and will have to be replaced.
At this time, there is no estimated time for the roadway to reopen.
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