2 Hurt In Crash That Caused Backup On I-696 During Morning Rush

SOUTHFIELD (WWJ) - Two people were hurt in a two-car crash caused major traffic backups on I-696, just as the busy morning rush hour was getting underway.

The accident happened just after 6 a.m. Friday on eastbound I-696 at Greenfield Road in Southfield

A preliminary Michigan State Police investigation revealed that a 2004 Chevy Silverado was swerving across all lanes of eastbound 696 and eventually swerved off the travel lanes of the freeway into the gore area of the exit ramp. The driver then came back into the right lane of the freeway, police said, and was struck by a 2014 Chevrolet Traverse that was travelling in the right lane.

Police said both drivers were transported to a local hospital. The driver of the Silverado as listed in serious condition at noon on Friday, and the driver of the Traverse was being treated for minor injuries.

The accident blocked the center and right lanes, leaving only one lane open to traffic for about three hours.

Reporting live from over the scene in Chopper 950, WWJ's Bill Szumanski said the traffic backup went on for miles. Szumanski said eastbound traffic was backed up to Orchard Lake Road, while the westbound traffic jam stretched to Woodward Avenue.

Just before 9 a.m., police cleared the accident and reopened the freeway to traffic.

Police said it wasn't immediately known if alcohol was a factor in the crash. The driver of the Silverado, police said, was not wearing his seatbelt.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to call State Trooper S. Williams at 248-584-5782.

For the latest from the roads, stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 during Traffic and Weather on the 8s, 24-hours a day. Check for recent incidents now on the CBS Detroit Traffic Page.