New Buffalo Township, MI (June 4, 2026) – A semi-truck carrying coal rolled over on the westbound I-94 exit ramp to US-12 early Wednesday morning, June 3, leaving its driver in critical condition. The crash was reported at approximately 6:15 a.m.
Emergency units arrived to find the truck lying on its driver’s side with the 67-year-old driver from Southgate, Michigan, trapped inside the cab. Responders pulled him free and took him to a nearby hospital. He was later airlifted to a Chicago hospital due to what deputies described as significant injuries, and remained in critical condition as of 3:15 p.m.
The coal the truck had been hauling to Burns Harbor, Indiana, spilled onto the roadway. Westbound US-12 near the I-94 off-ramp was closed for over six hours for cleanup before reopening.
Investigators say speed on the exit ramp was a contributing factor in the accident. Deputies also noted the driver may have experienced a medical emergency while behind the wheel, which could have caused the vehicle to enter the ramp too fast. The collision is still being reviewed, and updates will follow as more details become available. We hope the driver pulls through and makes a full recovery.
What Are the Risks of Semi-Truck Rollovers on Highway Exit Ramps?
Exit ramp rollovers are a well-documented hazard for large commercial trucks, particularly when a driver enters the ramp at a speed designed for passenger vehicles rather than heavy loads. Semi-trucks have a much higher center of gravity than standard vehicles, which makes them significantly more prone to tipping when turning at speed. The weight of the cargo shifts during a turn, and if that shift is sudden or the ramp curves sharply, the truck can go over before the driver has time to correct.
When a medical emergency occurs behind the wheel of a large commercial vehicle, the consequences can be severe because the driver may lose the ability to brake or steer at a critical moment. Cargo spills add another layer of complexity to the scene, requiring additional cleanup time and creating secondary hazards for other drivers. Federal regulations require commercial carriers to maintain driver health records, partly to reduce the risk that an undetected medical condition leads to a serious highway crash.
