Tuesday afternoon, two people were killed in a multi-vehicle collision involving a semi-truck, a box truck, and a pickup truck along westbound I-96 near mile marker 71 in Ionia County. According to authorities, traffic was slowed or stopped in a merge zone when the semi-truck came to a stop. A pickup truck traveling behind the semi slowed or stopped as well, but a box truck approaching from behind was reportedly unable to stop in time. It rear-ended the pickup, pushing it into the trailer of the semi-truck. Both the pickup and box truck caught fire. The drivers of those two vehicles were unable to escape and were pronounced dead at the scene. The semi-truck driver was not injured.
In crashes like this, it’s important to examine whether each commercial vehicle was being operated appropriately for the conditions. Even in slow-moving traffic, driver awareness, following distance, and response time can make the difference between a close call and a fatal crash.
Could Distraction or Fatigue Be a Factor?
When a driver reportedly fails to respond to slowed traffic ahead, distraction or fatigue may be involved. It’s important to determine whether the box truck driver was alert and attentive in the moments before the crash. Investigators will likely examine phone records, driver logs, and in-cab video systems to evaluate whether the driver was distracted, fatigued, or otherwise impaired in their ability to react to changing road conditions.
Could Mechanical Issues Have Contributed?
Another angle worth examining is whether the box truck experienced any mechanical failure, such as brake malfunction or delayed deceleration. If the truck’s braking system wasn’t functioning properly or hadn’t been maintained according to federal safety standards, that could explain why it couldn’t stop in time. Investigators will likely inspect brake components and review the vehicle’s maintenance history to determine whether a mechanical defect or lack of maintenance contributed to the crash.
Evidence That Should Be Reviewed
To understand what led to the collision, investigators should gather ECM data from the box truck and the semi-truck, which can show speed, braking, and throttle application. Dash camera footage, if available, may provide visual context for driver behavior and road conditions. Investigators should also assess skid marks, impact angles, and company records related to driver schedules and vehicle maintenance. Witness statements and highway surveillance footage, if any exists, could also help clarify the sequence of events.
Why a Full Investigation Is Necessary
With two lives lost and three commercial vehicles involved, determining exactly what went wrong is critical. A thorough investigation into mechanical condition, driver alertness, and traffic flow will help clarify where accountability lies and ensure that all contributing factors are properly identified.