Crash on US-131 Damages Emergency Vehicle

Grand Rapids, MI — A pileup on icy US-131 early Saturday morning injured multiple people and struck a Life EMS ambulance responding to the scene in Grand Rapids, Michigan State Police confirmed.

Troopers with the Michigan State Police Grand Rapids Post responded around 1:30 a.m. to reports of a multi-vehicle crash on US-131 south of Burton Street, according to a release.

A preliminary investigation showed a black BMW was traveling too fast for icy road conditions, lost control and crashed, state police said. Several other vehicles lost control and collided with the BMW and each other.

A Life EMS ambulance was stopped on scene with emergency lights activated when it was also struck. Multiple people were injured in the crash. None of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening at this time, state police said.

The freeway was closed to traffic for about an hour and a half while emergency responders cleared the scene.

Officials Warn Against Speeding on Icy Roads

"Please remember: Slow down and drive for the conditions," state police officials said in a statement. "Even a small increase in speed can make a big difference on icy roads."

Michigan State Police troopers said the BMW driver lost control due to traveling too fast for the icy conditions. The crash caused several other vehicles to do the same, resulting in a multi-vehicle pileup.

The damaged ambulance and multiple vehicles remain at the scene pending further investigation. No driver names or vehicle details have been released at this time.

Weather Conditions Contributed to Accident

The early morning hours brought icy road conditions to the area, making travel hazardous for drivers. State police officials have repeatedly warned motorists to adjust their speed and increase following distances during winter weather.

The crash serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by reduced traction on icy surfaces, particularly for vehicles that may not have adequate winter tires or chains.

What Happens Next

Michigan State Police continue to investigate the full circumstances of the crash. Officials will release additional details once their investigation is complete, including information about the drivers involved and the extent of damage to each vehicle.

The incident highlights the importance of defensive driving during hazardous weather conditions, especially on major highways like US-131 that carry heavy traffic volumes.

Sources

• https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2026/03/icy-us-131-pileup-in-grand-rapids-ambulance-struck-injuries-reported.html
• https://wwmt.com/news/local/multiple-hurt-ambulance-hit-icy-roads-us-131-multiple-vehicle-crash-life-ems-conditions-driving-lost-control-burton-street-grand-rapids-kent-county-michigan-state-police-emergency-response