Massive I-196 Pileup: Jackknifed Semis Halt Traffic, Stranded Drivers Rescued
On Monday, a significant traffic incident occurred on I-196 in Ottawa County, Michigan, resulting in a massive pileup. The crash involved approximately 100 vehicles and several jackknifed semi trucks, severely disrupting traffic in both directions.
Details of the I-196 Pileup
The chain reaction began shortly after 10:20 a.m. near the stretch between 32nd Avenue and 64th Street. By 12:20 p.m., the situation escalated into a significant incident involving an estimated 30 to 40 semi trucks.
- Location: I-196, between Zeeland and Hudsonville, Michigan
- Time of incident: Began at 10:20 a.m. on Monday
- Estimated vehicles involved: 100 cars, including multiple semi trucks
- Direction affected: Both eastbound and westbound
Emergency Response and Weather Conditions
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) and Michigan State Police (MSP) responded promptly to the scene. To assist stranded drivers, buses from Hudsonville High School and Max Transit were deployed to provide transportation.
Weather played a significant role in the incident. Wind gusts reached up to 40 mph, with snowfall accumulating between 6 to 12 inches. As a result, the National Weather Service issued Winter Storm Warnings for much of the region.
Injuries and Traffic Advisory
Preliminary reports indicated mostly minor injuries and multiple minor crashes. However, OCSO deputies confirmed that there were no known fatalities at this time.
The closure of I-196 is expected to last several hours while crews work to clear the debris. Authorities urge drivers to avoid this area and to refrain from unnecessary travel due to hazardous conditions.
Travel Impact and Recommendations
Travelers are advised to take alternate routes and stay updated on weather conditions. The combination of strong winds and snow is creating dangerous whiteout conditions, making travel inadvisable.
For the latest updates on traffic and weather conditions, visit Filmogaz.com.
