1 Dead, Trooper Hurt In Back-To-Back Crash On Detroit Freeway: Police

DETROIT — One person died and three others, including a trooper, were injured in back-to-back crashes on a Detroit freeway Sunday, according to Michigan State Police.

The first crash happened at 3:05 a.m. on eastbound Interstate 96 near Outer Drive in Detroit, police said.

Police said a 23-year-old driver was killed after slamming into the back of a tow truck.

The driver of the tow truck suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, police said.

While troopers were investigating the fatal crash, another driver smashed into their parked police cruiser, which also had its emergency lights activated, police said.

A trooper suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the crash and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, police said.

The driver of the car refused medical treatment, police said.

Investigators later learned that she was impaired by both alcohol and narcotics. They took her to a nearby hospital for a blood draw and then placed her in jail. She could be charged in connection with the crash, police said.

"These crashes along I-96 highlighted just some of the risky driving behaviors we are seeing on our roadways," Michigan State First Lt. Mike Shaw said. "In these crashes we saw drivers losing control, being distracted and finally driving under the influence. These crashes led to property damage road closures, a trooper being hurt, and ultimately someone losing their life. Please slow down, focus on the roadway, move over for emergency vehicles. And once again, there is never a reason to drive impaired, ever."