A large-scale traffic crash involving as many as 100 vehicles forced the complete shutdown of a major western Michigan highway on Monday, stranding motorists amid hazardous winter weather and prompting emergency response efforts across the region. Authorities said the multi-vehicle pileup occurred on Interstate 196 near 64th Avenue in Zeeland Township, roughly 25 miles southwest of Grand Rapids, as snow and blowing winds significantly reduced visibility.
According to the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office, the crash was reported just before noon and involved numerous passenger vehicles as well as several jack-knifed semi-trucks. The severity and scale of the incident led officials to shut down I-196 in both directions between Hudsonville and Zeeland, bringing traffic to a standstill and leaving many drivers unable to move from the scene for hours.
With conditions remaining dangerous, authorities worked to safely evacuate stranded motorists. Buses from Hudsonville Public Schools were dispatched to transport drivers from the crash site to Hudsonville High School, which was opened as a temporary shelter. Law enforcement officials advised those stuck at the scene to remain inside their vehicles until they could be safely boarded onto buses, citing ongoing risks from cold temperatures, blowing snow, and limited visibility.
Officials also urged the public to stay off the roads, particularly in the affected area, as conditions continued to deteriorate throughout the day. Emergency crews faced challenges reaching damaged vehicles due to whiteout conditions and snow-covered roadways, further complicating rescue and cleanup efforts.
Images from the scene showed extensive damage, with multiple semi-trucks off the roadway and dozens of vehicles scattered across snow-covered lanes and ditches. The crash occurred during a period of intense lake-effect snow, with snowfall rates reported at up to a half-inch per hour. Blowing snow further reduced visibility, increasing the likelihood of sudden slowdowns and chain-reaction collisions.
The National Weather Service had warned earlier in the day that travel was not recommended near and west of U.S. 131, specifically highlighting Interstate 196 as particularly dangerous. Forecasters reported widespread whiteouts, slide-offs, and multiple accidents observed on major roadways through state transportation cameras as snow bands moved through the region.
Authorities confirmed that numerous injuries were reported at the scene, though none were believed to be fatal at the time of reporting. Emergency medical teams assessed and treated injured individuals while continuing efforts to clear the highway and assist stranded drivers.
As cleanup operations continued into the afternoon, officials emphasized the importance of avoiding unnecessary travel during severe winter weather. The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly conditions can deteriorate during snowstorms, particularly on high-speed roadways, and the risks posed to drivers when visibility and traction are compromised.
