22-year-old woman killed, 2 teens gravely injured in Sterling Heights crash

14-year-old girls in critical condition

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – A 22-year-old Roseville woman is dead and two 14-year-old girls are in grave condition after a head-on crash in Sterling Heights.

Police responded to the crash at 2:52 p.m. Wednesday on Utica Road just west of Hayes Road.

Sterling Heights police said a 1999 gold Buick Century was traveling in a lane that was ending, so the 22-year-old driver tried to speed around another car on the shoulder.

Instead, the Buick went onto the gravel, lost control and went across the center line. Police said it slid sideways into oncoming traffic and collided with a golf Chrysler Town & Country minivan.

Three women were trapped inside in the Buick and Sterling Heights firefighters were called to extricate them from the wreckage.

The three women were taken to a nearby hospital, where the driver was pronounced dead. The two teenage passengers were taken to Children's Hospital in Detroit in critical condition, officials said.

A 59-year-old driver and 14-year-old passenger were inside the minivan. They were taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries and are expected to be OK. They are listed in stable condition.

Utica Road was closed between Hayes Road and Schoenherr from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Police said distracted driving, alcohol and drugs do not appear to have been a factor in the crash. Aggressive driving and speed appear to have played a role.

The crash is still under investigation.

Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to call the Traffic Safety Bureau at 586-446-2920.

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.