ALLEGAN COUNTY, Mich. – An eight vehicle crash on I-196 Eastbound shut down the interstate for several hours on Tuesday after a semi flipped over into the median.
The initial call for help was dispatched as a personal injury accident.
Saugatuck Twp. Fire Chief, Greg Janik, said the scene looked like a war zone when he first arrived.
Four vehicles and four semi trucks were involved. It occurred just south of Saugatuck north of 130th Avenue around 5 p.m.
“There were cars scattered everywhere, people in a daze walking all around,” said Chief Janik. “Obviously it`s very cold, people are in shock and they`re scared. And they`re very upset. And you don`t know what injuries they have but they were very fortunate on this scene.”
Officials said the crash was likely caused by a semi crossing the highway lanes before crashing into several vehicles. It then flipped over on its side.
Chief Janik said it took four hours to get the semi upright. Heavy-duty wreckers were also brought in to clean up the scene and clear the damaged vehicles.
Only one person was reportedly injured. They were taken to the hospital with a minor neck injury.
I-196 reopened Tuesday evening around 9:00 p.m.
