In the early hours of Thursday, December 12, 2024, in Royal Oak, Michigan, a harrowing incident unfolded on the southbound lanes of I-75 near 11 Mile Road. A semi truck, attempting to pass a backup in the left lane, collided with a cop car parked at a crash scene, sending the first car hurtling 100 yards into a second one. State troopers were forced to take quick action and jump over the median wall to avoid being run over.

Unraveling the Chaos of the I-75 Crash

Initial Crash Scene Setup

Three Michigan State Police troopers were diligently investigating a crash near the 11 Mile Road ramp. They had strategically parked their patrol cars on the left shoulder and in the left lane, with their emergency lights flashing, to safeguard the crash scene. Two troopers were standing on the left shoulder, engaging in conversations with the drivers involved. Another trooper was seated in a patrol car, writing the crash report. This setup was crucial in ensuring the safety of those at the scene.

It was a scene of controlled chaos as the troopers worked to gather information and assess the situation. The emergency lights added a distinct aura to the otherwise dimly lit area, guiding other drivers and alerting them to the presence of the crash.

The careful placement of the patrol cars was a testament to the troopers' professionalism and their commitment to maintaining order in the midst of a dangerous situation.

The Fateful Moment of Impact

The driver of the semi truck, perhaps unaware of the hazards ahead, decided to use the left lane to pass the slowing traffic exiting the freeway. As the driver spotted the patrol cars blocking the lanes, they hit the brakes for both the tractor and the trailer. This sudden action caused the driver to lose control, and the semi truck careened into the first patrol car.

The force of the impact was immense, sending the first patrol car flying more than 100 yards into the back of a second patrol car. The second patrol car was where the trooper writing up the crash report was sitting, and he unfortunately suffered minor injuries.

The semi truck continued its destructive path down the left shoulder, heading directly towards two troopers and a tow truck driver who were near the scene of the original crash. Their quick reflexes and split-second decisions saved them from being hit by the massive vehicle.

Aftermath and Consequences

The semi truck finally came to a stop after crashing into an empty car that was already involved in the first crash. This incident had all the elements that Michigan State Police Lt. Mike Shaw had been warning about in the past month.

It was a clear case of risky driving behavior leading to a catastrophic crash. The driver of the semi truck was arrested on suspicion of reckless driving, highlighting the severity of their actions.

The injured trooper was promptly taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and was later released. Thankfully, no one else was hurt in this terrifying ordeal.

Officials quickly shut down the freeway to thoroughly investigate both crashes. The scene was a mess of twisted metal and debris, but the troopers worked tirelessly to piece together what had happened. Once the investigation was complete, the freeway was reopened, allowing traffic to resume.

“Responding troopers had to remove pedestrians from the freeway ramps who were trying to take photos for their favorite social media platform,” Shaw said. This incident served as a reminder of the importance of following traffic rules and being cautious on the roads.

We are continuing to ask drivers to slow down, move over, drive safe, and please do not walk on the freeway. These simple precautions can go a long way in preventing such tragic events from occurring.