100-Vehicle Pileup In MI Closes Interstate Amid Winter Storm

ZEELAND TOWNSHIP, MI — Authorities were responding Monday to a reported 100-vehicle pileup amid extreme winter weather in western Michigan.

The incident occurred around 10:20 a.m. on Interstate 196 in Zeeland Township, according to law enforcement, who said numerous injuries had been reported, but none were believed to be fatal.

Between 30 and 40 semitrailers were estimated to be involved, several of which were jackknifed, and, in addition to the dozens of vehicles in the crash, there were also multiple slide-offs, police said.

The pileup occurred amid a winter storm warning that is in effect until 7 a.m. Tuesday for the area, with heavy and blowing snow causing near-blizzard conditions, including 40 mph wind gusts and storm totals of up to 14 inches with higher drifts, according to the National Weather Service.

“Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow,” the warning said. “Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening.”

Local school and transit buses were bringing stranded motorists to Hudsonville High School to make arrangements for pickup, according to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, which directed anyone still on the scene to stay in their vehicles until they could board a bus.

The interstate was closed in both directions between Hudsonville and Zeeland, exits 62-55, police said, adding it was expected to remain closed for several hours.

Michigan State Police advised motorists driving in winter weather to clean snow off their taillights and headlights, and to drive with caution.