Williams Township, MI (June 5, 2026) – A 5-year-old boy was killed and his mother critically injured Wednesday morning in a crash involving a tanker truck on US-10 in Bay County.
According to the Bay County Sheriff’s Department, deputies were dispatched at approximately 7:29 a.m. to the westbound US-10 near Garfield Road in Williams Township following reports of a serious collision.
Investigators said a 2025 Kenworth semi-truck hauling a tanker loaded with diesel fuel had slowed because of traffic ahead when a 2018 Nissan Rogue struck the rear of the truck. Authorities said the Nissan was then grazed by a 2012 Ford Explorer.
The Nissan was being driven by a 26-year-old Saginaw County woman. Her son, identified as 5-year-old Malik Manuel of Saginaw Township, was a passenger in the vehicle. The child suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Nissan sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported by ambulance to a Midland hospital. Officials reported she remained in critical condition following the crash.
The drivers of the semi-truck and Ford Explorer were not reported to have suffered serious injuries.
Westbound US-10 between Garfield Road and Nine Mile Road remained closed for several hours as emergency crews investigated the collision and worked to transfer diesel fuel from the tanker truck into another vehicle before the damaged truck could be removed from the roadway.
The crash remains under investigation by the Bay County Sheriff’s Department.
We extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of Malik Manuel. We also hope for the recovery of the injured woman.
Rear-End Collisions Involving Commercial Trucks
Rear-end crashes involving commercial trucks can result in severe injuries because of the significant size and weight differences between passenger vehicles and large trucks. Even when a truck is slowing or stopped because of traffic conditions, motorists approaching from behind may have limited time to react if they are traveling at highway speeds.
Investigators examining these collisions often review traffic conditions, following distances, driver attention, vehicle speeds, and roadway evidence. Understanding how traffic congestion developed and whether drivers had adequate time to respond can help determine the factors that contributed to a crash.
