TROY, Mich. -- Troy police are investigating an accident that involved eight passenger cars and two semi-trucks.

I-75 Multi-Car Accident Claims 1 Life

Police said a tractor-trailer was travelling in the middle lane of I-75 when traffic slowed due to construction. Police told Local 4 the truck driver from Illinois was unable to merge smoothly between two contruction lanes.

The semi slammed on his breaks and skidded until the truck hit the car in front of him.

It caused a chain effect involving several other cars in front of those drivers.

"The next thing I heard was the 18 wheeler’s brakes locked up. It was obvious to me it was sliding so I was kind of prepared," said accident victim Lorence Arrol. "The next thing I knew I was hit from behind. Apparently, I bounced out three lanes."

Four people were hospitalized after the incident but were released Tuesday.

The semi-druck driver was back at home in Illlinois on Tuesday as well. Pending an investigation, officials said he may be facing charges.

19-year-old Rochester Hills resident Kara Larivee, a student at ITT Tech in Troy, was killed.

For hundreds of others, it was a traffic nightmare.

"I have been in traffic for two and a half hours," said one driver.

Several cars were pulled off to the side of the road, stranded because they overheated.

Stay with Local 4 and ClickOnDetroit.com for further updates.