Serious injuries on the Lodge after wrong-way driver causes multi-car wreck

An impaired driver caused a five-car crash by traveling the wrong way on the Lodge Freeway in Detroit early Sunday morning around 1:20 a.m.

Multiple 911 callers reported the wrong-way driver. Michigan State Police troopers responded to the crash scene near Grand River Avenue and closed the freeway.

The preliminary investigation indicates a 27-year-old Detroit man, driving a Chevy Impala northbound in the southbound lanes, struck a Nissan head-on. This initial collision led to subsequent crashes involving a total of five vehicles. Troopers provided first aid at the scene.

Three people sustained serious injuries and were transported to the hospital. Troopers requested a blood draw from the driver of the Impala.

MSP Lt. Mike Shaw stated the wrong-way driver appeared impaired, directly causing the crash. He emphasized there is no excuse for impaired driving given available alternatives and noted the crash fortunately resulted in no fatalities.

The freeway was closed for several hours but has since reopened.

The investigation is ongoing, being handled by Metro South troopers and the crash reconstruction unit.