A devastating crash on westbound I-96 in Ionia County’s Orange Township claimed two lives on Tuesday, July 1. The incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. near Sunfield Highway when a box truck failed to stop in time and rear-ended a pickup truck that was slowing down or had stopped behind a semi-tractor trailer in a construction zone.
The collision was particularly violent, shoving the pickup truck into the semi-truck’s trailer. Both the box truck and pickup truck became engulfed in flames, trapping their drivers inside. Despite efforts by emergency responders, both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene.
According to Ionia County sheriff’s deputies, heavy traffic in the construction zone was a contributing factor to the crash. The driver of the box truck was following too closely behind the pickup truck, which likely caused the collision. The semi-truck driver, fortunately, was not injured.
The investigation was conducted with assistance from multiple agencies, including state police, Portland and Belding police departments, Portland EMS, and Berlin-Orange Township firefighters. The names of the victims have not been released pending notification of their families.
This tragic incident highlights the importance of maintaining safe following distances, especially in heavy traffic and construction zones. The Ionia County sheriff’s department is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
