REDFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A wrong-way driver crashed into multiple vehicles stopped at a red light on Telegraph Road near Five Mile late Sunday night, killing the at-fault driver and injuring several others.
Background: Wrong-way driver dies after multi-car crash in Redford Township
Redford Township Police Department officers responded to the scene at approximately 11 p.m. Joseph Funwia was among those caught in the chaos -- and says he is grateful to be alive.
“It’s God. God said Funwia,” he said.
The crash
Police say a 40-year-old man was driving a burgundy Dodge Durango northbound in the southbound lanes of Telegraph Road when the crash occurred. The driver struck two vehicles just north of Five Mile before continuing at a high rate of speed and hitting Funwia’s white truck head-on at a stoplight near a turnaround north of Five Mile.
The impact triggered a chain reaction, striking additional vehicles that had been stopped at the light. In all, eight cars were involved and many of the occupants were injured.
The Durango’s driver was transported to Corewell Health Farmington Hills Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Police say all other individuals involved suffered minor or no injuries.
‘We heard some skidding’
Willie Chambers was hosting friends in his backyard that night when the crash unfolded just behind his house.
“We heard some skidding,” Chambers said.
The group rushed to the fence to see what had happened.
“We all jumped up and went to the fence, started looking over so we could see what we could see,” he said.
What they saw was alarming.
“We saw some people getting out of the vehicles -- a couple of kids, they took them across the street and laid them in the median, the grass,” Chambers said.
‘I believe that was God with me’
Surveillance video from Club Tane Bar and Grill -- located near the crash site -- shows Funwia leaving the parking lot in his white truck just before the collision, after stopping to pick up food.
Funwia had to be helped out of his truck through the passenger side. Gervais Nogho, owner of Club Tane, says he rushed to help after receiving a call from Funwia.
“We had to help the EMS guys -- came and put them in the ambulance,” Nogho said. “So you were helping out?” “Yes,” he replied.
Funwia says the experience has deepened his faith.
“I believe that was God with me that saved my life,” he said.
Funwia says he is wishing all of the survivors a full recovery -- and is also thinking about the man who did not make it.
“For the guy who died, may he rest in peace,” Funwia said. “It’s a very sad situation. I know he did not come out to kill me or to kill any other person.”