A winter snowstorm caused a pileup of roughly 100 cars in Zeeland Township, Mich., on Monday.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) posted on Facebook that the crash occurred on Interstate 196 near 64th Avenue. As a result, the highway is closed in both directions between Hudsonville and Zeeland.
Ottawa County Emergency Management (OCEM) wrote on Facebook that the pileup began at roughly 10:19 a.m. EST.
The OCSO and OCEM added that buses from Hudsonville Public Schools and public transit services from nearby Holland are transporting stranded individuals to Hudsonville High School, where they can receive assistance or arrange to be picked up from the cafeteria.
“Motorists currently stranded on scene should remain inside their vehicles until they are able to board a bus for transportation to Hudsonville High School,” the two departments noted.
The Michigan State Police wrote on the social platform X that an estimated 30 to 40 semitrucks are part of the pileup, with roughly 100 vehicles involved overall. The OCEM said there are “numerous” injuries but no reported fatalities.
“Sheriff’s Deputies are working with area ambulance and fire services to treat the wounded and transport them to area hospitals,” OCEM added.
Photos and video shared by @ChicagoMWeather on X show dozens of cars and trucks spread out across the highway, with some stuck off the road. Video also shows rescue crews braving blizzard conditions to search for motorists.
Ottawa County offices closed at 3 p.m. EST, according to the OCEM. The agency advised residents to avoid “unnecessary travel” and refrain from driving on I-196 between Zeeland and Hudsonville.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) cautioned state residents to drive with caution Monday morning, as Michigan Department of Transportation crews work “around the clock to keep Michiganders safe.” The department’s offices are closed Monday due to Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
