Driver arrested following Mackinac Bridge crash
Police: Speed, alcohol potential factors
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MACKINAC COUNTY -- A man has been arrested following a two-vehicle crash on the Mackinac Bridge Wednesday morning, resulting in multiple injuries and a temporary bridge closure.
At approximately 2:55 a.m. Wednesday, troopers from the Michigan State Police (MSP) St. Ignace Post responded to a two-vehicle crash on the Mackinac Bridge. According to a news release, 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, MSP reports.
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 while emergency personnel responded to the scene and troopers conducted their investigation.
Police say the at-fault driver, a 28-year-old man from Jamaica, who had been working and living seasonally in the area, was arrested and lodged in the Mackinac County Jail for reckless driving causing serious impairment of a body function, a felony.
Speed and alcohol are believed to be factors in the crash, according to a news release. The suspect's name is being withheld pending arraignment.
Additional charges may be requested for the suspect pending the results of the ongoing investigation and review by the Mackinac County Prosecutor.
MSP also said further investigation is also being conducted into any other individuals related to this incident who may have been operating vehicles recklessly on the bridge.
Agencies assisting MSP include the Mackinac Bridge Authority, Michigan Department of Transportation, Mackinac County Emergency Management, St. Ignace Police Department, Mackinaw City Police Department, Mackinac County Sheriff's Office, Cheboygan County Sheriff's Office, Straits Area EMS, St. Ignace Fire and Rescue, Chippewa County Dispatch and CCE Dispatch.
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Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021, ext. 148, or svogelmann@dailypress.net.