ZEELAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Authorities in Ottawa County have cleared the scene following a massive pileup along westbound I-196 near Hudsonville.
In a press release, the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office says more than 100 vehicles were involved, including 30 to 40 semi trucks.
The incident began at approximately 10:19 a.m. Monday. Deputies say a number of cars slid off the road and crashed, and also noted several jack-knifed semi-trucks.
The incident forced both directions of the highway to close for more than seven hours. Both westbound and eastbound lanes reopened around 6 p.m. on January 19.
WATCH TIMELAPSE: MDOT CAMERAS CAPTURE BACKUP AT I-196 AND 32ND ST
Deputies say there are between 9 and 12 total injuries, and no one died. The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office teamed up with members of Michigan State Police and the Zeeland Police Department to get those injured to area hospitals.
Buses from Hudsonville High School and Max Transit helped to shuttle all stranded drivers to Hudsonville High School. From there, they were able to schedule a ride home.
Grandville Hudsonville Jenison
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The district released the following letter to parents:
Dear HPS Families,
I am sure many of you have heard about the multi-vehicle accident that occurred today on I-196 between Hudsonville and Zeeland. I want to thank our local law enforcement, fire, and EMS staff for their rapid response.
Our own HPS staff are also deserving of thanks, as many bus drivers, administrators, and other support staff are working together to transport stranded motorists to Hudsonville High School, which is a Red Cross Emergency Shelter.
Thank you to all the community members who have reached out to offer assistance. I continue to be overwhelmed at the generosity of the Hudsonville community. At this time, we ask that you stay away from the high school and avoid driving on the roads unless absolutely necessary. We appreciate your support and will reach out if we have any specific needs.
The Sheriff's Office is thanking the numerous law enforcement agencies, fire departments, ambulance and wrecker services, Hudsonville Public Schools and Max Transport for assisting in the removal of patients, vehicles and motorists from the highway. They're also grateful for local businesses that stepped up to donate food to emergency workers during the cleanup period.
The investigation into the crashes is still ongoing.
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