On the first day of Christmas, Michigan gave to me a snowstorm that has completely blindsided drivers and Michiganders alike. Winter has arrived with a reckoning, dumping 9″ of snow on Grand Rapids and nearly 40″ of snow in Ironwood in the first weekend alone.
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Anytime we get that first snowfall, driving can be dangerous as people adjust to driving in icy conditions. A semi-truck taking the westbound I-196 to the southbound US-131 ramp lost control of the truck, ultimately flipping over, getting wedged between the S-curves, and having a massive spill in the road. The driver required extrication by emergency services.
I passed the wreck on my way home yesterday, and it was harrowing to say the least. Here are the details.
Crash ‘Indefinitely’ Closes Ramp
It was a scary sight yesterday at noon when a semi-truck carrying 140,000 pounds of gravel and sand lost control and crashed. Grand Rapids firefighters were quick to respond, realizing that the driver was trapped inside.
To make matters worse, much of the truck’s diesel fuel spilled onto the highway, prompting a HazMat team to be deployed to the scene.
The tractor unit of the semi was squished under the highway. Firefighters were able to get the driver out safely and brought him to the hospital. WZZM 13 reports the driver had minor wounds.
WZZM 13 also reports that the Michigan State Police will keep the ramp closed “indefinitely pending a full structural inspection.” Due to the nature and severity of the crash, the MSP needs to review each section of the ramp the truck came into contact with to ensure there are no deeper issues…