News Summary
A tragic accident occurred on US-131 in Grand Rapids early Wednesday morning, resulting in one fatality and three serious injuries. A disabled pickup truck was struck by a van, which was then hit by a semi-truck. The incident caused significant traffic disruptions as all lanes were closed for cleanup and investigation.
Grand Rapids Reports Fatal Accident on US-131
A tragic early morning crash on US-131 in Grand Rapids resulted in one fatality and three serious injuries on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. The incident took place around 5:50 a.m. on the northbound lanes of the highway, specifically over 6th Street, just north of the I-196 interchange.
Authorities reported that a disabled pickup truck was parked in the center lane when it was struck from behind by a van. The impact of this collision led to a semi-truck crashing into the back of the van shortly afterward.
The driver of the van, identified as a 35-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. One passenger from the van, who was ejected during the impact, along with two other passengers, suffered serious injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment. In contrast, the driver of the pickup truck was not present in the vehicle during the incident and remained unharmed. Additionally, the driver of the semi-truck, who was involved in the secondary collision, also sustained no injuries.
The crash caused significant traffic disruptions on US-131, leading to severe congestion. Drivers reported extremely slow-moving traffic, with backups extending several miles south of the crash site. Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene, necessitating the reduction of the highway to one lane to facilitate cleanup efforts. The Michigan State Police and other agencies were involved in managing the aftermath of the crash, which required closing all lanes of US-131 for several hours to efficiently collect evidence and clear the wreckage.
Motorists faced delays as freeway conditions deteriorated, leading many to compare the scene to that of a parking lot. After extensive clean-up operations, all lanes of US-131 were reopened just before 9:30 a.m., allowing traffic to resume normal flow.
This incident has prompted a reminder from the Michigan State Police emphasizing the importance of wearing seatbelts for all vehicle occupants. This crash highlights ongoing concerns regarding road safety, particularly involving parked vehicles on busy highways.
While the investigation is ongoing, authorities have focused on reviewing the circumstances surrounding the collision. The incident adds to the growing list of traffic-related fatalities on Michigan roads, raising awareness about the need for vigilance among drivers.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration continues to advocate for vehicle safety measures, stressing the critical role that seatbelts play in minimizing injury during accidents. Community members are urged to be cautious while driving, particularly in high-traffic areas, to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.
As investigations proceed, local authorities are expected to keep the public informed about any developments regarding the crash and will work to improve road safety in the vicinity.
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Additional Resources
- WOOD TV: MSP Investigates Deadly Crash on US-131
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- FOX 17: Major Backup after Deadly Crash on NB US-131
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Automotive Safety
- ABC 7 Chicago: 15 Cars Involved in Grand Rapids Crash
- Google Search: Traffic Safety Michigan
- WWMT: Teenager Dead in Lincoln Lake Avenue Crash
- Google News: Road Accidents Michigan
