Richfield Township, MI (March 13, 2026) – A 29-year-old woman and three children suffered serious injuries on Thursday afternoon, March 12, when their vehicle was struck by a utility truck at the intersection of North State Rd and Clark Rd in Richfield Township.
Authorities said the crash occurred around 3:45 p.m. Preliminary reports indicate a Chevrolet utility truck failed to stop and rear-ended a Jeep Patriot carrying the three children, aged 2, 4, and 8 months.
All occupants of the Jeep were transported by ambulance to Hurley Medical Center for treatment of their injuries. The driver of the utility truck was treated at the scene and released. Officials do not believe alcohol was a factor in the crash.
Multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including local police departments, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, and fire personnel. The intersection was closed for approximately four hours while responders managed the crash.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as they become available.
We are thinking of those injured as they receive medical care.
Why Rear-End Crashes Can Cause Severe Injuries for Young Passengers
Rear-end collisions often occur when a vehicle fails to stop in time, striking the vehicle in front. Even at moderate speeds, the sudden impact can throw occupants forward, causing serious injuries.
Young children are especially vulnerable, which is why car seats and booster seats are critical for safety. Infants and toddlers may suffer severe injuries if restraints are not properly installed or if the impact is strong enough to overcome the seat’s protection.
Emergency responders prioritize quickly assessing all passengers, particularly children, and transporting them to medical facilities. These collisions also often require traffic closures while crews manage the scene and ensure the safety of all involved.
