MASON COUNTY, MI : Fatal crash shuts down U.S. 10 east of Ludington on Friday, September 1, 2017

A Friday afternoon fatal crash has caused a complete shutdown of U.S. 10 east of Ludington in Mason County.

The two-vehicle crash occurred at U.S. 10 and Stiles Road around 1 p.m. Sept. 1, and traffic was expected to be diverted around the area until about 3:30 p.m., said Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole.

The driver of an eastbound full-size pickup truck that rear-ended a stopped semi-truck with tandem trailer was pronounced dead at the scene, Cole said. The driver was alone in the vehicle.

The crash will cause delays for travelers heading north on U.S. 31 for the holiday weekend. Those heading north of Ludington on U.S. 31 must cut over on U.S. 10 in that area.

The driver of an eastbound full-size pickup truck that rear-ended a stopped semi-truck with tandem trailer was pronounced dead at the scene, Cole said. The driver was alone in the vehicle.

The semi-truck, which was carrying a load of gravel, had been stopped at a red light on U.S. 10 for some time when it was struck from behind, Cole said.

"Just before the light turned green, he was struck by a vehicle traveling at highway speed," Cole said. "There was no indication of braking at all by the vehicle that did the rear-ending."

The deceased driver was wearing a seatbelt. It was unknown if distracted driving, drugs or alcohol were factors, Cole said. The name of the driver has not been released.

The semi-truck driver was not injured.

Mason County Sheriff deputies were assisted at the scene by the Michigan State Police Hart Post, Scottville Police Department, Scottville Fire Department, Custer Jaws, and Life EMS.

U.S. 10 has had several serious crashes this summer and has been the focus of stepped-up sheriff patrols, Cole said.

Source :
Fatal crash shuts down U.S. 10 east of Ludington