At a Glance
- Up to 100 vehicles crashed on I-196 near Zeeland Township amid whiteout conditions.
- Buses from Hudsonville Public Schools evacuated stranded drivers to Hudsonville High School.
- No fatalities reported, though numerous injuries occurred.
- Why it matters: The wreck closed a critical Michigan corridor and underscored the danger of driving during lake-effect snow warnings.
A massive multi-vehicle crash involving as many as 100 cars shut down Interstate 196 in western Michigan on Monday, stranding drivers during hazardous winter weather.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s office reported the pileup just before noon on I-196 near 64th Avenue in Zeeland Township, about 25 miles southwest of Grand Rapids. The collision closed the highway in both directions between Hudsonville and Zeeland.
Response and Evacuation
Emergency crews quickly coordinated a large-scale evacuation. Buses from Hudsonville Public Schools transported stranded motorists from the crash site to Hudsonville High School, according to the sheriff’s office.
Authorities urged remaining drivers to stay inside their vehicles until buses arrived. The department issued a public advisory:
> “Motorists currently stranded on scene should remain inside their vehicles until they are able to board a bus for transportation to Hudsonville High School. We are asking the public to avoid driving today, especially in this area, due to hazardous conditions.”
Weather Conditions
The National Weather Service had cautioned against travel near and west of U.S. 131, specifically highlighting I-196. The agency cited whiteouts, slide-offs, and multi-car accidents observed on MDOT webcams as lake-effect snow bands and blowing snow moved through the region.
Snowfall rates reached half an inch per hour, creating near-zero visibility. Images from the scene showed several jack-knifed semi-trucks in ditches alongside crashed passenger vehicles on snow-covered roadways.
Casualties and Assessment
WOOD-TV, the News Of Philadelphia affiliate, reported “numerous” injuries at the scene. Officials confirmed no fatalities as of the latest update.
The crash scene stretched across multiple lanes, with damaged vehicles lining both sides of the interstate. Emergency responders worked through the afternoon to clear wreckage and assess injuries.
Travel Advisory
Authorities reiterated that travel remains dangerous across the region. The National Weather Service emphasized that driving is “not recommended” along the affected corridor until conditions improve.
The highway closure disrupted regional traffic, forcing detours and delaying commerce between Grand Rapids and lakeshore communities. Crews expected an extended timeline for reopening due to the scale of the crash and continued snowfall.
Key Takeaways
- Up to 100 vehicles collided on I-196 near Zeeland Township before noon Monday.
- School buses evacuated stranded drivers to Hudsonville High School.
- The National Weather Service had pre-warned of whiteouts and accidents along I-196.
- Snow fell at rates up to half an inch per hour, contributing to zero visibility.
- Numerous injuries occurred; no deaths were reported.
