Driver arraigned after crash on Mackinac Bridge
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MACKINAC COUNTY - The 28-year-old man arrested after a two-vehicle crash on the Mackinac Bridge Wednesday morning has been arraigned.
Redane Smith, a seasonal worker from Jamaica, was arraigned Thursday in the Mackinac County 92nd District Court, on one count of reckless driving causing serious impairment of a body function, a felony. Smith's bond was set at $100,000 cash/surety.
According to Michigan State Police, speed and alcohol are believed to be factors in the crash. Additional charges may be requested for Smith pending the results of the ongoing investigation and review by the Mackinac County Prosecutor.
At approximately 2:55 a.m. Wednesday, troopers from the Michigan State Police St. Ignace Post responded to a two-vehicle crash on the Mackinac Bridge. A preliminary investigation indicates that multiple vehicles passed through the toll booths on southbound I-75.
As the vehicles exited the toll area, they quickly accelerated and began driving recklessly at high rates of speed, according to a news release.
The traffic crash reportedly occurred when one driver struck the rear of the other vehicle near an active construction area on the bridge where southbound traffic is restricted to a single lane.
Two individuals sustained serious injuries, while two others suffered non-life-threatening injuries. All four injured individuals received treatment at a local hospital.
The bridge was temporarily closed after the crash.
MSP said further investigation is being conducted into any other individuals related to this incident who may have been operating vehicles recklessly on the bridge.
Smith will appear in court again Oct. 5.
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Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021, ext. 148, or svogelmann@dailypress.net.