Ottawa County, MI (July 16, 2026) – Two people were hurt on Wednesday morning, July 15, after a chain-reaction crash involving five vehicles on westbound I-96 near the 48th Avenue overpass in Polkton Township. The roadway was closed for a little more than an hour while emergency units cleared the roadway before traffic resumed.
The crash happened around 9:30 a.m. as traffic slowed ahead of an active construction zone with a lane closure. Investigators said a 22-year-old man from Paw Paw was driving a pickup truck pulling an enclosed trailer when he failed to notice the traffic backup and struck several vehicles.
Five vehicles were involved in the collision. The Paw Paw driver and one other motorist were taken to a nearby hospital with injuries that were described as non-life-threatening. The identities of the other people involved have not been released. The cause of the crash remains under investigation as additional details continue to emerge.
We hope those hurt make a full and speedy recovery.
Why Construction Zones Can Increase the Risk of Rear-End Crashes
Construction zones usually require drivers to reduce speed or merge into fewer lanes with little notice. When traffic slows quickly, motorists who are distracted, following too closely, or traveling too fast for conditions may have less time to stop safely.
Drivers towing trailers also need greater stopping distances because of the added weight behind the vehicle. Maintaining a safe following distance and staying alert to changing traffic patterns can help reduce the chance of chain-reaction crashes. Temporary signs, lane closures, and congestion are common in work zones, making it especially helpful for drivers to anticipate sudden slowdowns and remain prepared to brake well in advance.
