Michigan — A serious crash early Saturday morning forced authorities to shut down the Lodge Freeway near 9 Mile Road as police launched an extensive search for possible survivors after a vehicle smashed into an embankment. The crash occurred around 3 a.m., prompting an immediate response from officers who combed the area for anyone who may have been inside the heavily damaged car.
Crash Sends Vehicle Up Embankment, Triggering Emergency Response
According to early reports, a vehicle traveling along the freeway went airborne or climbed up an embankment, leaving behind severe wreckage and raising concerns that occupants may have been ejected or fled the scene. The extent of the vehicle’s damage made it difficult for officers to determine whether the driver or passengers had exited before authorities arrived.
Police conducted a thorough ground search around the site, inspecting brush, embankments, and nearby roadways for signs of injured individuals. The wreckage remained in place as investigators documented the scene and attempted to reconstruct how the crash unfolded.
Police Use Drone Technology to Expand the Search
In addition to ground crews, authorities deployed a drone to scan the area from above, hoping to locate anyone who may have been thrown from the vehicle or displaced due to the impact. The aerial search allowed investigators to cover a broader area quickly, especially in low-light early morning conditions.
Despite the extensive search efforts, no victims were found as of Saturday morning, police confirmed. Officers also contacted nearby hospitals to determine whether any crash victims had independently sought medical treatment, but no related patients were reported.
Freeway Closure Impacts Traffic for Hours
The Lodge Freeway remained closed for several hours as investigators worked the scene, examined debris, and completed search operations. Commuters in the Southfield area experienced disruptions, with traffic diverted to alternate routes until lanes could safely reopen. As of 9 a.m. Saturday, the freeway was reportedly still closed while investigation teams finished gathering evidence…