SOUTHFIELD (WWJ) - A semi truck driver who failed to brake for a vehicle slowing down in traffic state caused a major crash on I-696, ultimately causing the death of a 65-year-old woman, police said.
Troopers closed all westbound lanes of the freeway at Evergreen Road in Southfield near Lathrup Village as they investigated into the fatal wreck that happened just after 8:00 a.m. on Oct. 15.
Michigan State Police said the crash killed a 65-year-old woman from Rochester Hills and occurred because an 18-wheeler failed to brake for traffic slowing down.
"The driver of a passenger vehicle was traveling in the right lane and slowing for traffic ahead when the driver of a semi truck rear ended it without any braking," MSP said in a update to social media. "This pushed the vehicle into the middle lane sideways with the passenger side facing oncoming traffic."
The vehicle was then hit by another passenger vehicle, resulting in the death of the Rochester Hills woman.
MSP initially said the incident was a four-vehicle crash on Saturday morning, but troopers found only three cars were involved later in their investigation. The fourth vehicle belonged to a concerned citizen who pulled off to the side to help.
There were no other injuries, MSP reported.
While police did not say if drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash, they did say the driver of the semi-truck was getting his blood drawn voluntarily.
The freeway has since reopened to traffic. No other details were made available as the investigation continues.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned in to WWJ LIVE for the latest updates.
