KALAMAZOO (WKZO) — I-94 between Galesburg and Climax in Kalamazoo County may remain closed until late Saturday morning or early afternoon because of a massive chain-reaction accident involving nearly 200 vehicles that killed one man, injured about 2-dozen others, and disrupted the lives of tens of thousands of motorists.
76 semi-tractor trailer rigs were involved, including one filled with hazardous formic acid, which has proven to be a challenge to remove.
State police have released the name of the fatality.
The victim’s name is Jean Larocque, a 57 year old male from St-Chrysostome, Quebec, Canada. The victim was driving a semi truck that was involved in the crash.
As of 8:00 P.M., the emergency crews on scene have given an update as to the number of vehicles involved in the crash. On the E/B side of the freeway, there were 26 semis and 34 cars involved in the pile up. This is also where the fire occurred. On the W/B side of I-94, there were 50 semis and 83 cars involved in the crash. The updated number of vehicles that incurred damage in the I-94 crash is 193.
Crews continue to work their way toward the center of the wreckage and they warn they could still find more victims and more fatalities in that tangled mass of metal. They are not only having to battle the fire and the twisted metal, but the bone-chilling cold and wind chill factors that make just being outside dangerous.
The investigation is still underway as to the cause of the crash but they say it appears to be a classic white-out situation that begins with one small wreck and expands as more vehicles rush into the previous wrecks, not being able to see what lies ahead.
A Hazmat team was called to the area for one truck that was carrying hazardous materials. A chemical called formic acid that was quickly contained. An evacation of a three-mile radius was ordered at one point. The order was later amended to only a one-mile radius for everyone to remain indoors before being rescinded.
Another truck hauling fireworks caught fire, triggering several explosions. Two firefighters and a tow truck operator suffered injuries when those fireworks let loose. They were all taken to area hospitals for evaluation.
Survivors of the huge pile-up were taken by bus to a school in Galesburg where the Red Cross set up a temporary shelter. There were many stories there of people working together to help get others out of harms way.
Traffic has been rerouted around the crash site, but State Police are telling travelers to find alternate routes around this region if they can.
Most of the people taken to local emergency rooms were treated for bumps and bruises and released.
It is currently estimated that the highway will not be back open until around 12 a.m. Saturday.
