(WWJ) Livingston County authorities are trying to determine what led to a crash along I-96 that left three people dead, and two more critically injured.
The crash happened shortly after 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, along eastbound I-96 between Fowlerville Road and M-59.
According to the Livingston County Sheriff's Office, a 54-year old Sterling Heights man driving a BMW westbound near M-59 lost control of the car, crossed the median and slammed into a Mercury Mountaineer SUV in the eastbound lanes.
Two people in the Mountaineer were pronounced dead at the scene, including the driver, a 68-year-old Fowlerville man, and a passenger, identified as a 91-year-old Howell woman. Two more passengers in the Mountaineer were taken to University of Michigan Hospital where they were listed in critical condition
The BMW was taken to a hospital where he also died, officials said.
The sheriff's office is still investigating where alcohol and/or speed played a part in the crash.
The eastbound side of I-96 was shut down for about four hours on Wednesday, with first responded on the scene. Traffic was backed up for several miles until the freeway reopened at about 7:45 p.m.
No names are being released at this time.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest updates as they become available. >>> LISTEN LIVE!