Distracted driving is thought to be the cause of a multi-vehicle crash Monday on I-96 in Brighton Township.
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office says deputies were dispatched at approximately 1:50 p.m. to an injury crash on eastbound I-96 near the Brighton exit (145).
A preliminary investigation indicated that eastbound I-96 traffic had stopped due to a multiple vehicle crash involving a 2021 GMC Sierra that was pulling a camper trailer in the right lane of travel. When it came to a stop, it was rear ended by a 2022 Honda Odyssey. A third vehicle involved in the crash, identified as a 1998 Chevrolet Silverado, then rear ended the Honda Odyssey.
The driver of the GMC Sierra was identified as a 42-year-old Westland man, who was injured, while the driver of the Honda Odyssey, a 75-year-old woman from Middleville, suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to the U of M Hospital in Ann Arbor by Livingston County EMS in critical condition. The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado, a 37-year-old Toledo, Ohio man, was also injured. All three drivers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
Authorities say speed and alcohol do not appear to be contributing factors in the crash while distracted driving does appear to be involved. The road remained closed for approximately four hours for the investigation and clean up.
Deputies were assisted at the scene by personnel from Brighton Area Fire Department, Livingston County EMS, MDOT Courtesy Patrol, and Hamburg Police Department.
The incident remains under investigation by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Safety Bureau.
