Truck Accident Lawyer News

DETROIT, MI — Poor visibility and slippery roads are being blamed for a mufti-vehicle accident involving over 24 vehicles and several tractor trailers which led to a chain-reaction of collisions on a mile-long stretch of the I-75 in Detroit on Thursday, Jan. 31.  The accident resulted in at least two children and one adult being killed and at least 20 more injured.

As many as 30 vehicles with 5 semis were involved in a fatal chain-reaction crash in whiteout conditions on the southbound I-75 in southwest Detroit, MI at about 9:00 a.m. on Jan. 31, 2013.

The accident occurred on Interstate 75 on the southwest side of Detroit at about 9:00 a.m. between Dearborn St and Springwells St. resulting in a massive pileup where 18-wheelers and tanker trucks were jackknifed and several vehicles smashed up against them.

Map showing location of fatal multi semi truck pileup on the southbound I-75 between Dearborn St and Springwells St in southwest Detroit, MI on January 31, 2013

Michigan State Police Lt. Michael Shaw told the media that many people had to be pulled out of vehicles. At that time Shaw said he was not sure of the cause.

The news reported that more than two dozen vehicles were involved in the pileups and scores of cars and trucks not involved in crashes were stuck on the freeway behind. Shaw said it could be hours before the freeway reopened.

USA Today reports:

According to MSP, southbound I-75 will be closed for at least four hours, and possibly through the evening rush hour. Emergency personnel were focused, as of just before noon today, on rescuing injured motorists.

Tow trucks are on site waiting to remove less damaged vehicles, while others were being pushed from the road by heavy machinery. As well, the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s office was on scene at about 2:30 p.m. to remove the body of a victim.

The Michigan State Police set up a mobile command post to begin coordinating how to remove crashed vehicles and handle hazardous materials removal because several crash-related fuel spills were reported.

The Detroit Fire Department was on scene dealing with spilled diesel fuel.

The incident remains under investigation at this time.

Blog post by Truck Accident Lawyer News, a truck accident and personal injury blog that publishes up to date truck accident and truck legal news from across the United States.

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