A crash involving multiple semis closed down US-23 for several hours on Tuesday.
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office says deputies were dispatched to a multiple vehicle crash involving semi-tractor trailers and a passenger vehicle on southbound US-23 and Crouse Road in Hartland Township at 4:37 p.m.
A preliminary investigation indicates that traffic on southbound US-23 had stopped due to congestion on the highway. A 60-year-old Taylor resident was traveling south in a 2007 Freightliner semi-tractor trailer hauling automobile parts when he rear-ended a 2015 Dodge Caravan that was stopped in the roadway. The Freightliner semi-tractor pushed the Dodge Caravan off the roadway. The Dodge Caravan was being operated by a 33-year-old Grand Blanc man.
After the initial impact with the Dodge Caravan, the Freightliner continued south on the roadway until it rear-ended an empty 2014 International Harvester semi-tractor and trailer that was being operated by a 58-year-old man from Gaylord. The International Harvester semi-tractor was forced into the rear-end of a fully loaded 2020 Freightliner semi-tractor and trailer. The operator of the 2020 Freightliner was a 56-year-old man from Flint.
The 2007 Freightliner operator suffered serious injuries and was transported to the U of M Hospital in Ann Arbor by Livingston County EMS in critical condition. The Dodge Caravan operator was also transported to the U of M Hospital by Livingston County EMS in good condition. The drivers of the International Harvester and 2020 Freightliner were not injured. All drivers were wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash.
The roadway was closed for approximately six hours during the investigation and extensive cleanup.
Alcohol and speed do not appear to be factor in this crash. This crash remains under investigation by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Safety Division.
Deputies were assisted on the scene by Hartland Area Fire Department, MDOT Courtesy Patrol, Michigan State Police Motor Carrier, and Livingston County EMS.
Pictures – Melissa Spisz – Livingston County Scanner Chat Facebook page