MARNE, Mich. — One person was killed and another was seriously injured in a three-vehicle crash on westbound I-96 in Ottawa County early Sunday morning.
The crash happened around 12:15 a.m. near the 24-mile marker in Wright Township.
Investigators say a semi-truck had entered westbound I-96 from Ironwood Drive and was traveling down the freeway when an Infiniti approached from behind. Deputies say the Infiniti attempted to pass the semi by driving on the shoulder. While doing so, the Infiniti struck a Chevy Avalanche that was parked on the right shoulder of the highway.
After the initial collision, the Infiniti was struck by the semi and came to rest in the median. Authorities say the Infiniti then caught fire in the engine compartment.
Deputies and bystanders were able to remove the driver from the vehicle. They then worked to free the passenger, who was trapped inside. The passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials have not yet released the passenger’s identity pending notification of family members.
The driver of the Infiniti, a 23-year-old man from Custer, was transported to a local hospital with serious but stable injuries. The driver of the semi, a 41-year-old man from Davison, was not injured. The Chevy Avalanche was unoccupied at the time of the crash.
Westbound I-96 was closed for several hours while investigators processed the scene and cleared the wreckage before reopening to traffic.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the crash. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact investigators.