DETROIT, Wayne County, Mich., Nov. 3, 2026 — A child died and several other people were hurt in a three-vehicle crash on the Davison Freeway in Detroit on Halloween night, Saturday, October 31, according to Michigan State Police.
The crash happened on westbound Davison Freeway near Interstate 75 at about 11:45 p.m. Investigators said a Chevrolet Impala rear-ended another vehicle, and the driver of that vehicle lost control and struck a third vehicle.
A child riding in the Impala was ejected and was taken to a hospital by Highland Park police, where the child died. Five other occupants of the Impala were hurt, including the driver, who police said was charged with operating while intoxicated causing death. The ages of those involved and further details on the other vehicles have not been released.
The crash remains under investigation. The child's age and additional circumstances were not immediately available, state police said.
We are deeply sorry for the loss suffered by the victim's family.
Intersection Safety in Michigan
The crash was reported at Davison Freeway and Interstate 75 in Detroit. Our Michigan intersection resource page covers intersection crashes across Michigan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes multi-vehicle crashes like this one?
Rear-end collisions that set off chain-reaction crashes are usually caused by one driver following too closely, reacting late, or being impaired, which can cause a loss of control that pulls other vehicles into the crash.
How does speed change the outcome of a crash?
Higher speeds give drivers less time to react and increase the force of impact, which raises the likelihood of serious injury or death even in crashes involving the same vehicles and road conditions.
Why is impaired or distracted driving particularly dangerous on freeways?
At freeway speeds, even a brief lapse in attention or slowed reaction time from impairment can prevent a driver from braking or steering away from a slower or stopped vehicle ahead.
What role do weather and road surface play in crash risk?
Wet, icy or debris-covered pavement reduces tire grip and lengthens stopping distances, making rear-end and loss-of-control crashes more likely even at normal speeds.
