Manchester man killed after head-on crash with jackknifed semi
Editor's note: This story was updated at 5:15 p.m. to reflect that the crash victim has died.
A 73-year-old Manchester man died after suffering major injuries when a semi-truck that jackknifed on an icy M-52 hit his car head on, pinning him inside, according to police.
Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Derrick Jackson said the Manchester man was driving his 2011 Ford Fiesta north on M-52 near Bethel Church Road in Sharon Township when the semi-truck driving south struck the vehicle. Deputies were sent to the scene of the crash at about 8:34 a.m. Wednesday, Jackson said.
Jackson said later Wednesday afternoon that the man had died from his injuries.
Jackson said the driver of the semi-truck was slowing down the vehicle, because another car ahead of him was turning, when he lost control.
The semi-truck jackknifed into oncoming traffic, striking the Ford Fiesta. The truck was a 2007 International Tractor with trailer, carrying about 8,000 pounds of milk. It was driven by a 43-year-old man from Jonesville, Jackson said.
The 73-year-old Manchester man was removed from the Ford Fiesta by the Manchester Fire Department and the Huron Valley Ambulance service. The process of cutting the man out of the vehicle took a long time, Jackson said.
Survival Flight transported the Manchester man to University of Michigan Hospital.
The semi-truck also struck a large truck that was stopped in the southbound lanes of the roadway, Jackson said. The 56-year-old Oak Park man driving that truck had minor injuries, according to Jackson.
The crash still is under investigation, and Jackson said the icy roadways that plagued Washtenaw County and much of Michigan this morning and improper driving are the likely causes of the crash.
Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.
Comments
Sallyxyz
Fri, Dec 2, 2011 : 3:31 a.m.
Where were the salt trucks on M 52? There was 24 hours advance notice of this small storm, and the county roads should have been well-salted by 8:30 Wed morning. But, of course, they were not. Instead, there were icy conditions that contributed to this tragic accident.
RJA
Thu, Dec 1, 2011 : 4:03 p.m.
Very sad ending to this tragic accident, my condolences go out to family and friends.
Sallyxyz
Thu, Dec 1, 2011 : 4:04 a.m.
I guess the obvious question is why there was no salt applied to this road given that the snow started on Tuesday night with plenty of warning. This accident happened on Wednesday morning, more than 12 hours after the snow started. Where were the county salt trucks? Very sad accident. 18 wheelers need to slow down!
Tom Joad
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 10:39 p.m.
You would think anyone in Michigan would know that snowy/icy conditions are treacherous and drive with the utmost caution, especially a professional rig operator. You keep your speed down and plenty of room behind a car to prepare for just this type of eventuality. Drivers make turns as a matter of course. Tailgating is deadly in any road condition, particularly snow.
jinxplayer
Thu, Dec 1, 2011 : 11:39 a.m.
You're right! He clearly has to be speeding in order for ice to jackknife his trailer!! The driver must have obviously been tailgating as well!! You cant collide with someone, all on an icy road mind you, without tailgating them!!
RJA
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 10:29 p.m.
The 73 year old man from Manchester will be in my thoughts and prayers for full recovery. Glad to hear the 56 year old man driving a large truck only suffered minor injuries. Seems as though the semi driver would have slowed down sooner, due to road conditions. We all know a semi driver can't stop on a DIME. (but maybe a quarter) Glad to hear the accident is still under investigation. (and hope to hear an update)
djacks24
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 10:15 p.m.
"Jackson said the driver of the semi-truck was slowing down the vehicle, because another car ahead of him was turning, when he lost control." 18 wheels of rolling death to anything in their paths. I hear truckers complain all the time about stupid non truck drivers. But just like is common on bad traveling day, I was on my way home heading East on 1-94 last night around 10pm in the snow and slick roads and had at least 3 tractor trailers passing myself and everyone else like we were standing still.
anonymousBM
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 10:11 p.m.
He was family and he passed.
justcurious
Thu, Dec 1, 2011 : 12:25 a.m.
I am so sorry. I just saw your post. Please accept my condolences.
milanmadman
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 9:39 p.m.
What kind of car was he driving again? I know Ann Arborites, or like I like to call them "NARBS" hate American cars, but come on already!!!!
redwingshero
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 8:08 p.m.
Hope the man has a full speedy recovery. Quick side note, was there a reason the writer mentioned the make and model of the man's vehicle 3 times in the article. Seemed kind fo redundant after the first time (we get it, a tiny, B-segment car got hit by a Class 8 Truck w/trailer).
justcurious
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 7:34 p.m.
I sincerely hope that this unfortunate man will be ok. I'm sure he has a ways to go to recover fully. I can find no reason to speculate about the actions of any of the people involved in this accident and hope others will feel the same way.
djm12652
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 9:05 p.m.
hear hear....just wondering why this is reported in the crimes section....will keep the injured man in my thoughts...
jcj
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 7:40 p.m.
Could not agree more.