15-year-old girl killed when SUV hits Ypsilanti fire truck on I-94

Man, daughter in critical condition

YPSILANTI, Mich. – A 15-year-old girl died Monday night in a crash involving a fire truck on I-94 in Ypsilanti, closing westbound lanes for several hours while Michigan State Police completed an accident investigation.

The crash happened at about 11:15 p.m. near Grove Road.

The Ypsilanti Fire Department said one of its rigs was assisting in an earlier rollover accident when a Ford Escape slammed into the back of the fire truck. The truck was blocking a lane of traffic to protect police and emergency personnel.

According to MSP, the Escape was driven by 34-year-old Charles Horn.

Horn’s 15-year-old rear passenger, his daughter’s friend, died at the hospital. She was identified as Christina Carolin Snyder.

Horn and his 15-year-old daughter, Michelle, are in critical condition.

It is unknown if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash.

No firefighters were hurt.

Fire truck badly damaged

Firefighters needed to use the Jaws of Life to help the crash victims. However, the truck was so badly damaged in the rear that firefighters could not get to the Jaws of Life. 

The truck was unmanned at the time of the crash. No firefighters were injured.

"Frustrating ... it's a hard thing knowing that people need immediate help and you're not able to assist the victims," said Ypsilanti Fire Chief Max Anthouard.

The Ypsilanti Township Fire Department was called to bring another fire engine so they could use their Jaws of Life.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

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About the Authors:

Nick joined the Local 4 team in February of 2015. Prior to that he spent 6 years in Sacramento covering a long list of big stories including wildfires and earthquakes. Raised in Sterling Heights, he is no stranger to the deep history and pride Detroit has to offer.