Boston Township, MI — April 26, 2025, one man was killed and several others were injured in a multi-vehicle truck accident at approximately 6:30 p.m. on I.H. 96.

According to authorities, traffic in the eastbound lanes of Interstate Highway 96 was stopped due to a construction zone in the vicinity of Nash Highway.

Preliminary reports state that, for as yet unknown reasons, an eastbound 18-wheeler failed to slow and stop for the traffic conditions. A collision followed involving the striking 18-wheeler and eight other motor vehicles which had been stopped in the traffic.

Officials indicate that several people sustained injuries of unknown severity as a result of the wreck and were transported to local medical facilities by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. One victim—an 80-year-old man from Okemos—suffered fatal injuries, according to reports. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identities of the victims—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

In my experience, few types of crashes are as preventable—or as devastating—as those involving a commercial truck failing to slow for stopped traffic in a construction zone. Highway work zones are some of the most clearly marked and heavily regulated areas on the road, with signage, barriers, and advance warnings designed specifically to give drivers time to adjust. When an 18-wheeler plows into multiple stopped vehicles, it’s not just a breakdown in attention—it’s a fundamental failure to meet the heightened standards that come with operating a vehicle capable of causing catastrophic harm.

The early reports here suggest that the truck failed to respond to conditions that every professional driver should be trained to anticipate. Construction zones don’t appear suddenly; warning signs and reduced speed limits are typically posted well in advance. Professional drivers are expected to begin slowing early, maintain extra following distance, and be prepared for unexpected stops. Failing to do so—especially in a heavy commercial vehicle—is inexcusable and deadly.

If the truck was operating under a commercial carrier, the company’s role must also be part of the investigation. Was the driver properly trained to navigate construction zones? Were they operating under a realistic schedule that allowed time to slow and stop safely? Was the truck itself properly maintained, particularly the braking systems that become even more critical in work zone conditions? These questions matter because in cases like this, it’s often not just the driver’s error at play—it’s the result of larger problems that push drivers into unsafe situations.

From where I sit, a wreck like this isn't a random accident—it’s a clear sign that something failed long before the moment of impact. Only a full investigation into the driver’s conduct, the truck’s condition, and the company's practices will uncover the real causes behind this loss of life. And only with that understanding can the right parties be held accountable and those affected by the wreck receive the clarity and closure they deserve.