SAULT STE. MARIE - Four people were treated and released from War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie after a multi-vehicle traffic crash Wednesday in Chippewa County that shut down a large section of M-28 for nearly seven hours.
The Chippewa County Sheriff's Office said the accident was reported at 3:30 p.m. and involved three cars and a semi tractor-trailer. The crash occurred on M-28 between Strongs and Raco, near Soldier Lake Campground. Names of those involved were not released by the sheriff's office.
Police said an overturned semi tractor-trailer blocked the highway and three additional vehicles were identified as having been involved in the accident. Witness statements and evidence at the scene suggested to deputies the driver of the westbound semi tractor-trailer did not notice a passenger car stopped in the westbound lane, attempting to make a left turn.
The tractor-trailer hit the car, pushing it into the eastbound lane, where it was struck head-on by an oncoming sport utility vehicle, according to police. The tractor-trailer continued a short distance before overturning and tossing its load of two rolls of coiled steel. Police said the rolls bounced west down the highway, where one struck an eastbound van.
Deputies said all of the vehicles involved sustained major damage. The road was closed until about 11 p.m. as crews repaired major damage to the surface of the highway, removed vehicles from the scene and cleaned up spilled fuel from the tractor-trailer.
Assisting at the scene were the Michigan State Police, including officers from the Motor Carrier Division, Chippewa County Central Dispatch, Superior Township Fire Department, Bay Mills EMS and Fire Department and Kinross EMS.
John Pepin can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206. His email address is jpepin@miningjournal.net.