Driver Seriously Hurt After Car Rolls on Grand Rapids Highway Interchange
A 22-year-old man was thrown from his car and seriously injured in a rollover crash on a Grand Rapids highway ramp early Monday morning, according to Michigan State Police.
The single-vehicle crash happened around 2:30 a.m. on the eastbound ramp from I-196 to I-96 in Grand Rapids, police said. The car left the right side of the road and rolled over.
The driver, identified as a 22-year-old man from Sparta, was ejected from the vehicle during the crash. He was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries, according to WOODTV.
Seat Belt and Speed Cited as Factors
Michigan State Police said the driver was not believed to have been wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash. Police also said speed was considered a contributing factor.
"MSP said the driver was not believed to have been wearing his seat belt. Speed was considered a factor," police told reporters, according to WOODTV reporting.
WZZM13 confirmed the details, noting the 22-year-old from Sparta suffered serious injuries in the rollover wreck.
Highway Safety Reminder
The crash underscores the dangers of highway ramps during early morning hours. The I-196 to I-96 interchange is one of the busiest highway connections in West Michigan, carrying heavy commuter and freight traffic throughout the day.
Grand Rapids residents who use the ramp regularly were reminded of the importance of wearing seat belts and adjusting speed on curved highway entrances.
Michigan State Police did not immediately release the name of the hospital where the driver was taken or provide an update on his condition.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing.