Semi-truck crash shuts down NB US-131

WALKER, Mich. (WOOD) — A section of northbound US-131 in the Grand Rapids area is shut down Wednesday as state police investigate a crash. As of 11:40 a.m., northbound US-131 was closed at Ann Street (exit 88), according to the Michigan Department of Transportation. It started with a two-car crash on northbound US-131 south of West River Drive, according to the Michigan State Police. That crash shut down two lanes of US-131, and it resulted in traffic backups in the area of Ann Street. Amid the backup caused by the initial crash, a semi-truck "failed to slow for stopped traffic" and crashed into a flatbed truck that was loaded with scaffolding, state police said. The impact caused the semi-truck to flip over and crash into a third vehicle, which was in the adjacent lane, according to MSP. The driver of the semi-truck, a 60-year-old from Oscoda, was pulled from the truck and taken to the hospital. State police initially said the crash resulted in serious injuries; later, however, they said they would not specify the extent of the driver's injuries. "Motorists are reminded to remain alert, reduce speed in backup situations, and maintain a safe following distance — especially when approaching crash scenes," MSP wrote in a release.