Two collisions within a period of nine hours at same intersection
IMLAY CITY — Imlay City Police report that one person was killed and eight others injured Sunday (Jan. 29) in a separate pair of traffic crashes at the intersection of Cedar St. (M-53) and Borland Rd.
Police Chief Brett Selby reported that at around 11:15 a.m., Imlay City police, firefighters and EMS responded to a multi-vehicle accident at the location.
Just hours later, at around 8:15 p.m., police and emergency crews were called out to a second serious accident at the same location.
Later in the day, Imlay City police, firefighters and EMS responded to another crash at the same location that took place at around 8:15 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29.
“One person died and eight others injured at that location in the span of nine hours,” Selby said, adding that two pregnant women and an infant child sustained injuries in separate crashes and were transported to Lapeer Region Hospital.
Selby said that prior to the second accident, an Imlay City police officer had been operating stationary radar and verified that speed was a factor in that crash.
“The officer was pulling onto Cedar Street to stop the driver as the driver simultaneously struck multiple vehicles,” said Selby. “He reported that the 17-year-old driver of a northbound pickup was traveling at a high rate of speed at the time of the crash.
The driver of the pickup, a resident of Washington Twp., was believed to be in critical condition.
“The pickup truck struck multiple vehicles, instantly killing one driver and critically injuring the pregnant passenger and an infant in the vehicle,” Selby said.
Given the frequency and severity of accidents at and near the intersection, Selby opined that action needs to be taken by the Michigan Dept. of Transportation.
“Somehow, they have to find a way to slow traffic down in that area,” Selby said. “The proposed median being discussed is not the answer.”
In the aftermath, Selby expressed his sentiments.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families in this tragic incident,” Selby lamented.
Selby said an investigation of both crashes is ongoing and that investigators are awaiting a toxicology report on the 17-year-old driver.
He asks that anyone who witnessed the accident call the Imlay City Police Dept. at 810-724-2345.
Tom Wearing started at the Tri-City Times in 1989, covering the Village of Capac as a beat reporter. He later served stints as assistant editor and editor. Today, he covers Imlay City and Almont as a staff writer. He enjoys music and plays drums and sings with various musical groups in the Detroit Metropolitan area.
