Authorities confirmed that one person died and two others were injured in a four-vehicle crash Tuesday on westbound I-96 near Sunfield Highway in Orange Township. According to the preliminary investigation, a semi-tractor-trailer allegedly collided with an SUV in a construction merge area. The impact forced the SUV off the road, and the semi then reportedly struck a second SUV, pushing it between two other semi-trucks where it was pinned. It has not yet been clarified which victims were in which vehicles. The crash remains under investigation.
Crashes in construction zones are particularly dangerous when semi-trucks are involved because there is little room for error and limited space to maneuver. Investigators will need to look closely at how the truck was being operated and whether fatigue, distraction, or mechanical issues contributed.
Could Fatigue or Distraction Have Played a Role?
This crash happened in a merge zone where traffic slows and lane discipline is critical. Investigators may review the semi driver’s hours-of-service records to determine if fatigue was a factor. Cell phone records, dashcam footage, and eyewitness accounts could help determine whether distraction prevented the driver from noticing slowed traffic ahead.
Were Vehicle Problems a Contributing Factor?
Another possibility is whether mechanical issues such as worn brakes, defective tires, or steering malfunctions kept the semi from stopping in time. Investigators will likely examine the truck’s inspection and maintenance records to see if any red flags had been documented prior to the crash. If a defect is suspected, the investigation could extend to parts manufacturers or service providers.
What Evidence Should Be Reviewed?
Engine Control Module (ECM) data from the semi will be key to reconstructing the crash. Information on speed, braking, and throttle application in the seconds before impact may show whether the driver attempted to slow down. Roadway evidence, including skid marks, debris placement, and the final positions of the vehicles, will help confirm the sequence of impacts. Video footage from nearby traffic cameras or dashcams may also clarify how the crash unfolded in the merge area.
Why a Full Investigation Is Necessary
With one person dead and others seriously injured, it’s important that every aspect of this crash be carefully reviewed. Construction zones already place added risks on drivers, but when a semi is involved, those risks multiply. Determining whether this accident stemmed from fatigue, distraction, or a vehicle defect will be crucial for establishing accountability.