GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A tragic accident on northbound U.S. 131 near Leonard Street NW just before 6 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28, claimed one life and left three others seriously injured. According to state police, the van involved in the crash struck a disabled, unoccupied pickup truck stopped in the center lane, after which it was hit by a semi-tractor trailer.
The initial collision with the pickup truck set off a chain reaction that ultimately led to the van being struck by the semi-truck. The 35-year-old male driver of the van and one of his passengers were ejected from the vehicle. Tragically, the driver died at the scene. The ejected passenger, along with two others inside the van, suffered serious injuries and were rushed to the hospital via ambulance.
Fortunately, the owner of the stranded pickup truck and the driver of the semi-truck were unharmed in the incident. State police are using this incident to emphasize the importance of wearing seat belts, urging both drivers and passengers to make it a habit.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. After being closed for several hours, the highway reopened around 11 a.m., restoring normal traffic flow.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is ongoing.
