RAPID RIVER — An Oscoda, Mich. driver crashed into a roadway marker pole, got back on the road, and immediately crashed into another vehicle in Rapid River Tuesday morning. Both drivers involved were severely injured in the crash.

At about 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15, troopers from the Michigan State Police Gladstone Post responded to a report of a two-vehicle crash on US 2/41 in Rapid River. The report indicated airbags were deployed and one vehicle rolled over several times.

When troopers arrived at the scene, they observed that one of the vehicles involved had rolled over and come to rest on its wheels. Further investigation found that a vehicle driven by a 72-year-old Oscoda man was traveling southbound on US 41 and had left the roadway just north of the Rapid River Mini Mart, striking a roadway marker pole. The vehicle came to a rest, and a local resident checked on the driver. The driver gave the resident a “thumbs up” to indicate he was okay and drove away, continuing southbound on US 41.

At that time, the vehicle failed to stop at the US 2 intersection and struck a westbound vehicle driven by a 60-year-old Rapid River man. The collision caused the westbound vehicle to roll over. The southbound vehicle continued south on US 2 and once again left the roadway, striking several road signs before coming to a stop. Both drivers suffered severe — but non-life-threatening — injuries and were transported to OSF by Rampart EMS.

Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor in the crash. The names of the drivers involved were not released Tuesday due to an ongoing investigation.

Troopers were assisted at the scene by Masonville Township Fire and EMS, Rampart EMS and Delta County Sheriff’s Office deputies.