UPDATE: Holland police are looking for the driver of a black pick up truck, possibly a Dodge Ram. Investigators are working to identify that individual and other factors which may have contributed to the crash.
HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) — A 19-year-old Holland man may faces charges after a crash on Michigan Avenue that critically injured two pedestrians. (Photo gallery.)
Police said he was driving a 2003 red Honda Civic north on Michigan Avenue in the right lane, next to another vehicle on the inside lane of the northbound traffic.
As the vehicles approached 24th Street, police said. witnesses told them a black pick up truck, possibly a Dodge Ram, made a left had turn from eastbound 24th Street onto northbound Michigan Avenue — into the path of the Civic.
The Civic’s driver swerved to the right to avoid colliding with the pick-up, but leaving the road to the right, at which point, the Civic hit two pedestrians who were on the sidewalk of Michigan Ave on the east side of the roadway.
The victims are a 22-year-old Zeeland woman and Holland Hospital employee, who was airlifted to Spectrum Health Butterwoth, and a 26-year-old Holland man, who went by ambulance to the hospital. As of Friday, both were at Spectrum Health Butterworth and listed in serious condition, according to police.
Holland Police Sgt. Jon Boeve said the initial investigation indicates the driver may have been speeding. The crash happened when he and another driver tried to avoid one another near the intersection of 24th Street. Both vehicles were northbound on Michigan, Boeve said, but one had just turned onto that street from 24th.
Traffic crashes have increased as the statewide “stay home” rules have been relaxed, allowing more people to return to work and go about their daily lives. Boeve said it’s a fact drivers should keep in mind, especially with a combination of many more people are out walking, biking and riding motorcycles and the weather turning warmer.
Police are looking for witnesses to the crash. Anyone who can tell police what they saw should contact Sgt. Dan Kender at 616-355-1122 or email him at d.kender@cityofholland.com — or call the Holland Department of Public Safety at (616) 355-1100. Persons also may email investigators at policetips@cityofholland.com.
