BIRCH RUN -- Update at 5:45 pm.: Black ice was the cause of a fatal accident on southbound I-75 Thursday morning.
Michigan State Police from the Bridgeport post said the crashes began when a semi truck slipped on the icy roads just south of Birch Run Road, causing an accident.
As the semi was pulled over on the side of the road, a pickup truck lost control and smashed into the trailer.
The pickup truck driver and passenger were both taken to the hospital, where the driver died. At last check, the passenger was still being treated.
There were a total of three crashes at that scene Thursday morning, not including the cars that slid off the highway north of Birch Run.
Update at 11 a.m.: Southbound I-75 lanes have re-opened after Thursday morning's accident.
Rob Zielesch - NBC25
Original Story:
Dispatchers are reporting that southbound I-75 is closed south of Birch Run Road because of a major accident. Several cars are involved. NBC25 has heard, via scanner traffic, that there might be injuries, however we are not yet sure of the extent.
I-75 Southbound is closed at Birch Run and all traffic is being directed off of Exit 136. The accident south of Birch Run Road also caused multiple accidents north of Exit 136. As cars tried to slow down, they slid off the interstate.
NBC25 will have more information as it becomes available. In the meantime, please seek an alternative route.
