Lyon Township, MI — A driver was critically injured early Sunday morning after a suspected intoxicated driver crashed into a disabled vehicle on westbound I-96 in Oakland County.
According to the Michigan State Police, the crash happened around 2:30 a.m. on March 15 near Old Plank Road in Lyon Township.
Troopers were initially responding to reports of a disabled Ford Fusion blocking the left flex lane of the freeway. While officers were en route, multiple callers began reporting that a crash had occurred at the same location.
Preliminary investigation indicates that a Ford Bronco was seen by witnesses speeding past traffic before it rear-ended the disabled Fusion without braking.
At the moment of impact, the driver of the Fusion was either attempting to exit the vehicle or standing near the open driver’s door, when the force of the crash pushed them into the freeway median wall.
The Fusion driver was transported to a local hospital in critical condition, police said.
Investigators say the Bronco driver showed signs of intoxication, and troopers obtained a search warrant for a blood draw to determine the driver’s blood alcohol level. The Bronco driver also required medical treatment.
The freeway was temporarily closed for the investigation but has since reopened.
“This investigation is ongoing and pending the results of the blood test,” said First Lieutenant Mike Shaw of the Michigan State Police.
Authorities also used the crash to remind drivers as St. Patrick’s Day approaches that there are many alternatives to driving impaired.
“There is never a reason to drive impaired, ever,” Shaw said.
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