(WWJ) It was a mess along I-696 on Sunday, as Michigan State Police say snowy conditions and poor decisions by drivers combined to cause dozens of chain-reaction crashes involving as many as 175 vehicles.
Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported in the wrecks at multiple locations along the freeway, from noon to around 7 p.m.; although a number of drivers and passengers were taken to hospitals to be cheeked out.
MSP said some of the most notable crash areas were eastbound I-696 near Halsted where there were up to 70 cars involved in multiple crashes, shutting down the freeway for several hours.
Another bad area was westbound I-696 ay Middlebelt where there was a pile-up involving up to 30 vehicles, and along westbound I-696 between Hoover Rd. and Van Dyke involving up to 60 cars, police said.
There were also other crash scenes throughout the 696 corridor, some involving up to 15 vehicles.
Troopers were called in from home in order to get the crashes cleared and the freeway reopened. All the chain reaction crashes we saw yesterday were caused by drivers following too close and not being able to react in time!" MSP said, adding: "Great job troops clearing these crashes safely and as quickly as possible."
Separately on Sunday, there was a multi-vehicle pile-up along I 96 Express near Grand River Ave. In that incident, MSP said a driver got out of his car to inspect the damage. His car was hit by another car which pushed him into the wall, causing critical head injuries. The man was one of 17 people taken from that scene to local hospitals, police said.
All of these scenes has since cleared.
The recap from police comes after the National Weather Service said snowfall rates of more than an inch per hour were observed around northwest Metro Detroit Sunday afternoon.
While most of the region got between 2 and 4 inches, more than 6 inches of snow accumulated in Livonia during the storm.
While NWS said whiteout conditions may have contributed, MSP places the blame for these crashes on drivers who were going too fast in the snow.
With more snow in the forecast later this week, MSP reminds drivers: "Drive the speed that is safest for road conditions and increase that distance between you and the car in front of you. This will help avoid those multiple vehicle crashes."
AccuWeather forecasters are calling for another "wintry mess" in Metro Detroit, Thursday afternoon.
Stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 for updates during traffic and weather, every 10 minutes on the 8s.
Note: If you were involved in a crash on Sunday and left your vehicle on the freeway in Wayne County, you are urged to contact the MSP Metro South Post at 734-287-5000. If in Oakland or Macomb Counties, call the Metro North Post at 248-584-5740. Make sure you know the location and your plate number or VIN.
Related
