10-vehicle crash that hurt 4 in Washington Twp. caused by Detroit dump truck driver who fell asleep

55-year-old Detroit man drives semi truck into vehicles at red light, police say

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Police said a 10-vehicle crash that left four people injured in Washington Township was caused by a dump truck driver who fell asleep at the wheel.

Three people were taken to the hospital Thursday after being seriously injured in the crash.

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A dump truck-trailer combination owned by Heavy Metal Trucking out of Warren was being driven by a 55-year-old Detroit man north on M-53 around 8 a.m. near 32 Mile Road, Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said.

Investigators said the truck ran into the first of six cars that were stopped for a traffic light in the right lane of northbound M-53. The crash caused a chain reaction, and all six cars were damaged to varying degrees.

Three other cars in the left lane were stopped for the traffic light and were damaged in the crash. The cars were scattered on the roadway, median and ditch.

The truck continued several hundred feet through the eastside ditch and into the woods, where it came to rest, police said.

The driver was interviewed on scene as well as being processed for evidence. He told deputies he believed he "fell asleep" for a few seconds just prior to the crash.

There was no indication of drugs, alcohol or distracted driving observed by deputies. The driver’s cellular telephone will be examined forensically.

Police determined that there were four people transported to two hospitals by both Bruce Township Fire Department and Washington Township Fire Department officials for injuries. Other reported injuries were likely treated by the scene.

Here are the statuses of the four people hurt in the crash:

A 22-year-old man from Shelby Township was taken to Henry Ford Macomb listed in critical but stable condition.

A 48-year-old man from Addison Township was taken to Henry Ford Macomb listed in critical but stable condition.

A 56-year-old man from Shelby Township was taken to Henry Ford Macomb listed in stable condition.

A 47-year-old man from Rochester Hills was taken to Troy Beaumont, was treated and released.

Police are continuing to investigate the crash.

Stay with ClickOnDetroit.com for updates.


About the Author:

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.