GOODLAND TWP. — On Friday February 17, 2023 at 5:19 p.m., Lapeer County 911 sent Lapeer County Sheriff’s Deputies to an injury traffic crash involving a car and semi-tractor at the intersection of Van Dyke (M-53) and Bowers in Imlay City (Goodland Township).
74 year old Dennis Bandemer from Imlay City was the driver and lone occupant of a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Bandemer was traveling west on Bowers Road and did stop for the stop sign governing the Van Dyke Road (M-53) intersection. Van Dyke or M-53 traffic flows through the intersection with Bowers posted with stop signs.
Bandemer entered the intersection and struck the side of a southbound semi-tractor and trailer (2020 Semi tractor hauling a 2015 trailer driven by a 43 year old male from Otisville). This was considered a broadside collision and forces separated the axles from the trailer.
Bandemer was transported to McLaren in Lapeer. Bandemer remained hospitalized in critical condition (Intensive Care Unit) until succumbing to his injuries on February 21, 2023. The 43 year old male from Otisville driving the semi-tractor was not injured.
The roadway was closed until after 10 p.m. for rescue, investigative purposes and roadway clearing.
Lapeer County Sheriff’s Deputies were assisted at the scene by Imlay City Police Department, Michigan State Police – Lapeer Post, Imlay City Fire Department, Goodland Fire Department, Lapeer County EMS Ambulance Service, and the Lapeer County Reconstruction Team.
Preliminary investigation supports that excessive speed (55 MPH speed limit) is not a factor. Lapeer County Sheriff’s Deputies are continuing to investigate.
