WEBBERVILLE, Mich. — Four people are dead and 17 others are in the hospital after a fiery crash late Saturday night on I-96 near Weberville.
Two of the people injured included students from Northview Public Schools in Grand Rapids.
The school released the following statement:
“We were deeply saddened to learn of the accident that occurred this weekend as our students, families and volunteers were returning from the state band competition in Detroit. While we are grateful that nobody from the school district was seriously injured - two students were hospitalized and released in the morning - our hearts go out to those families and friends who were impacted by the accident. Our school counselors are available to provide support to students and families who may be struggling with the accident.”
According to a Facebook post from the Northview Band Boosters, their students are safe after the massive pileup that happened in the area of I-96 near M-52 highway in Webberville.
In a statement on X, Michigan State Police said the crash happened around 11:42 p.m. Saturday. Troopers had just finished working with utilities to string power lines, and the expressway was being reopened. Many cars were stopped on the roadway.
A semi and trailer were heading westbound in the left lane approaching traffic. MSP says they think its driver didn't see that the cars were stationary, and couldn't stop in time. The truck hit several vehicles, causing a pileup that officers say involved as many as 15 vehicles, some (including the semi) hit hard enough that they caught fire.
MSP says at least 17 people were seriously hurt and hospitalized, and four people are confirmed to have died. Their identities have yet to be released.
Northview Band Boosters says no one from the band was hurt in the incident, but a trailer carrying instruments was damaged. The band was on their way home from state finals in Detroit.
MSP tells FOX 17 both west- and eastbound I-96 needed to be closed while crews worked to clear the roadway. The overpass will be inspected by MDOT for any damage from the fire.
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