I-696 Closed For Hours After Double Injury Crash At Orchard Lake Road

FARMINGTON HILLS (WWJ) - A pair of crashes involving as many as five vehicles brought traffic to a halt Tuesday along westbound I-696 in Farmington Hills.

The accidents happened early Tuesday afternoon, shutting down the freeway at Orchard Lake Road, Exit 5. All lanes were closed on the westbound side for several hours, reopening to traffic right around 5 p.m.

Michigan State Police Lt. Mike Shaw said two people were taken to a local hospital with serious injuries.

Police were on the scene redirecting traffic, and WWJ's WWJ's Laura Bonnell reported that Southfield officers were ticketing people who were driving up the Franklin Rd entrance ramp.

With traffic backed up to as far as Lahser or the Lodge, motorists were urged to avoid the area into the start of the afternoon commute.

It's unknown what caused the crashes and no information about those injured has been released.

An investigation is ongoing.

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