Photo: iStockphoto
SAUGATUCK TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Northbound Interstate 196 remains closed near Old Allegan Road in Saugatuck Township following a crash on Monday (December 29). A semi-truck, navigating through winter storm conditions, jackknifed and crashed off an overpass, igniting a fire upon impact. The driver, who was rescued by bystanders, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital.
The crash occurred around 7 a.m. when high winds and icy roads created dangerous driving conditions. Witnesses described the truck exploding into flames after crashing through concrete barriers and landing on Old Allegan Road. Jared Slenker, a witness, said, "When he hit the ground and the fireball went up for the first time, I felt it through the windows of my van."
Firefighters extinguished the blaze, and crews worked throughout the day to clear debris. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is currently assessing potential damage to the overpass. MDOT spokesperson Jocelyn Garza noted possible damage to pier columns and beams, but no timeline for reopening the northbound lanes has been provided. Garza expressed hope that a single lane might reopen late Tuesday or Wednesday.
The southbound lanes of I-196 have reopened, but northbound lanes and Old Allegan Road remain closed as inspections and repairs continue. The Allegan County Sheriff's Office attributed the crash to the severe winter storm impacting the area. Fire Chief Greg Janik emphasized the hazardous conditions, stating, "High winds, low visibility, ice, all those combinations of factors make it very precarious."
