Whiteout Conditions Spark 17-Vehicle Pileup With 5 Semis as Patrol Car Is Struck on Southbound I-196 Near South Haven, Michigan
SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. — A large pile-up involving about 17 vehicles, including five semi-trucks, forced the closure of southbound Interstate 196 near South Haven on Tuesday as responders worked through hazardous conditions along the lakeshore.
Michigan State Police troopers from the Wayland Post confirmed the crash and said in an afternoon update that no serious injuries had been reported. MSP also noted that an unoccupied patrol vehicle was struck during the chain-reaction crash.
As of 1 p.m., the freeway remained closed while crews continued clearing the scene. Troopers urged drivers to take alternate routes, citing whiteout conditions in the area.
The crash comes just over a week after a separate, massive pile-up on I-196 near Zeeland that involved an estimated 100 vehicles, also during dangerous winter conditions.