Watch CBS News

Motorcyclist Killed In Crash At 'Broken' Traffic Light

REDFORD TWP. (WWJ) - Authorities are investigating after a 56-year-old motorcyclist was killed in a crash at a traffic light that had apparently been out of service for days.

The accident happened around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of Inkster Road and Lyndon, just north of I-96 in Redford Township.

Police say the man had stopped his CanAm Spyder, a three-wheel motorcycle, at the light on northbound Inkster Road, which was not working at the time, when he was struck from behind by a Chrysler 200.

The man was rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. It's unclear if he was wearing a helmet.

The other driver, a 37-year-old woman, was uninjured.

The traffic signal at the intersection had reportedly not been working for days due a power outage. Some residents said the lights had been out since the weekend. It does not appear that temporary stop signs were erected at the intersection while waiting for DTE Energy crews to make repairs.

"The appropriate authorities had been notified of the malfunctioning traffic signal prior to the crash," police said in a statement.

The signal has since been fixed and is now operational. 

Alcohol and speed do not appear to be factors in the crash, according to police.

Any decision on criminal charges will be made by the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office once the investigation is complete.

The victim's name was not released.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.