OTTAWA COUNTY, MICHIGAN — A massive winter-weather pileup involving an estimated 100 vehicles — including multiple jackknifed semi-trucks and as many as 30 to 40 semis overall — forced the closure of both directions of Interstate 196 between Zeeland and Hudsonville on Monday, according to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police and local dispatchers.

Authorities said reports of crashes and slide-offs began coming in around 10:19–10:20 a.m., initially affecting the westbound lanes from 32nd Avenue to 64th Street, before the situation expanded into a large chain-reaction crash spanning roughly 10 miles. Deputies said I-196 was closed in both directions between Exit 55 (Zeeland) and Exit 62 (Hudsonville) and the shutdown was expected to last several hours as crews worked to clear vehicles and debris.

Officials reported numerous injuries, but said none were known to be fatal as of early afternoon. Dispatchers described many of the collisions as fender benders and slide-offs, with minor injuries reported. Authorities said they did not yet have an exact count of the injured.

To assist stranded drivers, officials said buses from Hudsonville High School and Max Transit were being used to transport motorists from the freeway to Hudsonville High School, which was operating as a Red Cross emergency shelter. Deputies urged motorists still stranded on scene to remain in their vehicles until they could be safely moved onto a bus.

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The closure came as winter storm conditions moved through West Michigan, with officials citing strong winds (reported up to 40 mph) and heavy snow contributing to whiteout conditions. The National Weather Service had Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories in effect across much of the region, with 6 to 12 inches of snow forecast and blowing/drifting expected to reduce visibility.

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Authorities urged drivers to avoid the I-196 corridor and to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary while emergency crews and tow operators continued clearing the roadway. Officials did not provide a firm reopening timeline.

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