HARTFORD, Mich. (WWJ) — A stretch of I-94 in Southwest Michigan has reopened after a pileup crash involving more than a dozen cars and semi-trucks
The crash, which happened around 1 p.m. as the area was pounded by lake effect snow, left both directions of the freeway closed near mile marker 46, between Hartford and Watervliet — about 35 miles west of Kalamazoo — for about five hours.
Officials with the Michigan State Police Fifth District said 14 cars and three semi-trucks were involved, while at least 15 other vehicles slid off the freeway, separately from the crashes.
One driver suffered critical injuries, but no further details were released.
It appears driving too fast for the snowy conditions was a factor in the crash, with heavy, blowing snow causing whiteout conditions in the area, MSP officials said.
The freeway reopened shortly before 6:30 p.m. Drivers were being told to use an alternate route while the cleanup was ongoing.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for many counties on the west side of the state until Tuesday evening, including Kalamazoo, Ottawa, Allegan, Cass and Berrien.
While West Michigan saw some heavy snow over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend and continues to get hit with lake effect, Metro Detroit saw less snow over the weekend and currently has no advisories, watches or warnings.
This is a developing story. Check back for the latest updates as they become available and stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest local traffic and weather updates every 10 minutes on the :08s. >>> LISTEN LIVE!