Icy Roads Cause Seven-Vehicle Pileup on US-131 in Grand Rapids: Life EMS Ambulance Hit During Emergency Response
Seven-vehicle pileup on icy US-131 in Grand Rapids Saturday morning leaves multiple people hurt, Life EMS ambulance hit during emergency response
Multiple People Hurt in Early Morning Crash on Icy Grand Rapids Freeway
Multiple people were injured after a series of crashes on US-131 south of Burton Street in Grand Rapids early Saturday morning, Michigan State Police say.
The incident involved at least seven vehicles, with a Life EMS ambulance stopped at the scene with its lights activated also struck in the collisions.
BMW Driver Lost Control on Ice
Troopers from the MSP Grand Rapids Post responded to the crash at approximately 1:30 a.m. on southbound US-131, just south of Burton Street.
Preliminary investigation indicates a black BMW was traveling too fast for the icy road conditions, lost control, and crashed. Several vehicles also lost control and collided.
MSP troopers said the BMW was "traveling too fast for the icy road conditions" before it lost control and crashed, causing several other vehicles to do the same.
No Life-Threatening Injuries Reported
Troopers said multiple people are hurt but none are life threatening. Work to clear the scene took first responders an hour and a half, and the road has since reopened.
Troopers Warn Drivers to Slow Down
Michigan State Police are reminding drivers to drive with extra caution on slick roads following the incident.
"Slow down and drive for the conditions," troopers said online. "Even a small increase in speed can make a big difference on icy roads."
Flash Freeze Conditions Contributed
The crash occurred during a flash freeze that turned the freeway into a skating rink, according to multiple news reports covering the incident.
The Life EMS ambulance was stopped at the scene with emergency lights activated when it was struck by one of the vehicles involved in the pileup.
Road Reopened After 90 Minutes
It took first responders an hour and a half to clear the scene after the multiple-vehicle crash. The road has since reopened to traffic.
The incident highlights the dangers drivers face when speed and ice combine on Michigan roadways.
"Even a small increase in speed can make a big difference on icy roads," MSP troopers warned following the incident.
Drivers urged to adjust speed to conditions
The crash serves as a reminder that even experienced drivers need to adjust their speed when road conditions change.
MSP is monitoring the situation and reminding the public to exercise caution on all roads during the current freeze conditions.
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