Mason, MI (May 28, 2026) – Two Michigan Department of Transportation workers lost their lives on Tuesday, March 26, after a vehicle went off the roadway along northbound US-127 in the Mason area of Ingham County.
Deputies said a 24-year-old man from DeWitt lost control of his vehicle and struck two road workers, identified only as a 49-year-old man and a 51-year-old man, both from Mason. The men were pronounced dead at the site. Their identities had not been publicly released as of Tuesday night.
Emergency units closed the northbound lanes of US-127 while crews provided aid and examined the roadway. The driver was hospitalized in critical condition following the incident. Preliminary information indicates speed may have contributed to what happened.
Investigators said the review of the fatal roadway incident is expected to continue for some time as additional evidence is gathered. We extend heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends mourning the loss of the two workers.
Why Speed Can Increase Risks in Highway Work Zones
Highway work zones usually place road crews only a short distance from moving traffic. Reduced lane widths, shifting traffic patterns, and temporary barriers can make these sections more dangerous when drivers are traveling too fast. Even a brief loss of control may leave little time to avoid people working near the roadway.
Drivers are usually encouraged to slow down well before reaching construction zones and remain alert for changing traffic directions. Sudden braking, distracted driving, and unsafe lane changes can also raise the chance of serious harm in these environments. In many highway work areas, reduced speed limits are used to give motorists more time to react and to help protect both drivers and road crews nearby.
