4 people killed in SUV crash on I-94 in Harper Woods; toddler survives

Vehicle crashes on slick interstate near 8 Mile Road

ST. ClAIR SHORES, Mich. – Four people were killed Monday morning when a SUV crashed on I-94 in Harper Woods. 

Five people were in the vehicle when it crashed about 1 a.m. on the slick interstate near 8 Mile Road. Two men and two women were killed in the crash. A little boy -- a toddler -- survived the crash. He was examined at a hospital. 

The boy was walking with firefighters. 

Michigan State Police had the stretch of eastbound I-94 closed while a crash investigation continued. The interstate has since reopened to traffic.

Speed and wet weather may have played a role in this deadly crash, but it remains under investigation. 

SUV crossed 3 lanes, hit bridge

State police said a preliminary investigation revealed the 2006 Buick SUV was traveling in the left lane at a high rate of speed passing other traffic when the driver lost control. The SUV crossed three lanes of traffic and struck the bridge. 

The adults all were between 18 and 25 years old. State police said none of them were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. 

The toddler is 2 years old. He was buckled into a car seat and suffered only minor injuries. 

Woman says crashes happen often this on stretch of I-94

Shannon Thurman lives in the area and said this stretch of I-94 always has been a problem. 

"Every couple weeks there are sirens going down there. It always seems it's either right before the bridge over here, or right here," she said. "And I can tell you from experience people fly down this stretch going 80 mph, don't think about it. The other issue is that onramp right there, people don't merge well. It happens all the time."

The two men were ejected from the vehicle and were found on the interstate. 

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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.