Sterling Heights, MI (February 28, 2026) – Two people were critically injured after a crash involving a Jeep Cherokee and a waste truck at the intersection of 18 1/2 Mile Road and Merrill Road. Emergency units responded to the scene around 4:22 p.m. Friday, February 27, after receiving reports of a serious collision.
Authorities said the waste truck, operated by Priority Waste, was traveling westbound in the left lane on 18 1/2 Mile Road. A white Jeep Cherokee entered westbound traffic from southbound Merrill Road, and the two vehicles collided. The impact caused severe damage to the Jeep and left its occupants with serious injuries.
Both people inside the Jeep were taken by ambulance to a hospital in the Troy area. The driver was listed in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, while the passenger was reported in stable condition. The occupants of the waste truck were not hurt in the crash.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as they become available.
Our thoughts are with those injured as they continue to recover.
Why Crashes Involving Large Trucks Often Result in Serious Injuries
Accidents involving large trucks can lead to severe injuries due to their size and weight compared to passenger vehicles. Waste trucks and similar heavy vehicles require more distance to slow or stop, which can increase the impact force in a collision. Smaller vehicles often absorb most of the damage in these situations.
Intersections are common locations for these crashes, especially when one vehicle enters or crosses the traffic. Drivers may have limited time to react, particularly if visibility is blocked or traffic is moving quickly. Even low-speed collisions can cause significant harm due to the truck’s weight.
Vehicle safety features can help reduce injury risk, but crashes with heavy trucks still pose serious dangers. Wearing seat belts and driving cautiously at intersections can help reduce the risk of severe injury.
