Grand Rapids, MI (May 25, 2026) – Two people were injured on Saturday morning, May 23, after a speeding truck pulling a trailer went off a highway ramp and struck another vehicle near the Interstate 96 and US-131 interchange in Grand Rapids. Troopers said the truck was traveling westbound on the Interstate 96 ramp to northbound US-131 when it left the roadway.
Investigators said the pickup crashed through a guardrail, crossed a grassy section, and hit another vehicle that was also pulling a trailer on northbound US-131. Both people hurt in the highway collision were taken to a nearby hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
The crash shut down both northbound lanes of US-131 at Interstate 96 for a period of time on Saturday while emergency units worked in the roadway and crews cleared debris. Drivers experienced significant delays before traffic lanes later reopened.
Police are continuing to examine the factors that caused the roadway wreck. We are thinking of those receiving treatment.
How Speed Can Increase the Risk of Highway Trailer Crashes
Speeding can make it harder for drivers towing trailers to maintain control, especially on curved ramps and busy highway interchanges. Trailers may sway or shift during sudden turns, increasing the chance of a vehicle leaving the roadway. Larger loads can also extend stopping distance and reduce stability during quick maneuvers.
When a vehicle crosses barriers or enters another roadway, secondary collisions can happen quickly and may involve nearby traffic moving at highway speeds. Cleanup after these crashes often takes longer because crews may need to remove damaged trailers, scattered cargo, and broken guardrail sections. Traffic backups are also common when major interchange lanes are blocked during repairs and vehicle removal efforts.
