KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Michigan State Police troopers with the Paw Paw Post are investigating a crash that took place in Van Buren County on Tuesday, June 13 that killed a 19-year-old Mattawan woman.
Authorities say the crash between a Jeep Liberty which was driven by the woman, and semi tractor-trailer happened around 6:40 p.m. on eastbound I-94 near the M-51 highway overpass in Paw Paw Township.
Troopers were already on scene of an earlier two-vehicle accident when the fatal crash occurred.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of the semi was stopped on the roadway, near the scene of an active crash investigation when they were rear-ended by the driver of the Jeep Liberty, who succumbed to her injuries.
The driver of the Liberty was pronounced dead at the scene while another driver from the earlier crash, a 20-year-old Benton Harbor man was taken to Bronson Methodist Hospital with critical injuries.
The driver of the semi was not injured.
Troopers say it’s unknown at this time why the driver of the Jeep didn’t slow down or stop, as traffic was backed up due to the earlier crash.
According to investigators, seatbelts were worn by all occupants and alcohol does not appear to be a factor. Traffic passing through the area was impacted several hours for scene processing and cleanup.
Troopers were assisted by Paw Paw Fire Department, Van Buren EMS, Hartford Police Department, and the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.
