Four killed, 17 injured in mass gathering on I-96 in Ingham County

WILLIAMSTON, MI. – Four people were killed and 17 seriously injured after a massive pile-up on I-96 in Ingham County Saturday night.

The crash occurred around 11:42 p.m. Saturday, November 2, 2024, on I-96 at M-52. Michigan State Police said Lansing and Brighton post troopers were working in the area with DTE Energy to extend power lines across the expressway when the accident occurred.

The work required closing the expressway so crews could pull lines across the road. Troopers completed a shutdown of westbound I-96 at M-52 at the overpass and just reopened the expressway.

Police said multiple vehicles were stopped on the expressway when a westbound semi-truck pulled into stopped traffic. Police believe the driver of the semi-trailer did not see the backup and was unable to stop his vehicle in time.

According to police, the truck was traveling in the left lane and hit “numerous” vehicles. As a result of the accident, the truck and other vehicles caught fire. Police estimate that about 15 vehicles, including a truck, were involved in the accident.

Police said four people were killed and 17 people were taken to area hospitals with “serious” injuries.

The crash killed a 29-year-old Carson City man driving a Ford F-150 truck. All three other victims were related and were in the Chevy Trax. They were a 20-year-old woman, a 43-year-old woman and a 47-year-old man, all from Lansing.

Westbound I-96 is expected to be closed while police investigate the crash and possible structural damage to the M-52 overpass due to the fire. Eastbound I-96 will be closed indefinitely.

As of 12:15 p.m. Sunday, November 3, 2024, crews were still working to clear debris from westbound I-96 at M-52. The overpass remains closed and will remain closed “indefinitely” as MDOT needs to inspect the bridge for structural integrity.

Michigan State Police said they do not expect the road to be reopened anytime soon and that anyone taking that route to work should find another route or expect heavy backup on Monday.