FOWLERVILLE, Mich., Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Michigan State Police said at least three people died Thursday after a pileup involving more than 40 cars on I-96 near Fowlerville, Mich.
The incident began at about 9:45 a.m. on the westbound lanes of I-96, which was shut down in both directions near the crash until at least 1 p.m. local time, the Ingham County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management said.
Sgt. Jeff Munoz of Michigan State Police's Brighton Post said two drivers lost control of their vehicles after blustery winter conditions turned into a sudden "whiteout." A semi-truck jack-knifed across most of the lanes of I-96, blocking traffic behind it amid the deadly scenario.
40+ car accident on Westbound I96 at west of Fowlerville. Ingham County units being requested to assist. @MDOT_LanJxn pic.twitter.com/j4UUn9XiUk
— Ingham County HSEM (@InghamHSEM) December 8, 2016
A Detroit Free Press reporter was traveling to Lansing on the road when the incident occurred. She described a semi-truck's tires skidding on the ice behind her as the "the most terrifying sounds I've ever heard."
"Fortunately, he was able to stop before plowing into me," Kathleen Gray said, adding "it probably took about an hour to get through the accident scene. Traffic was able to pull around the jack-knifed semi-truck on the shoulder of the freeway."