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What is the story about?
More than 100 vehicles, including a large number of semi-trucks, were caught in a major chain-reaction crash on a snow-covered stretch of Interstate 196 in western Michigan on Monday, January 19, prompting authorities to shut the highway in both directions and launch rescue operations.
The accident took place in Zeeland Township, located roughly halfway between Grand Rapids and Holland. Heavy snowfall and poor visibility contributed to the massive pileup, News18 reported citing Michigan Public.
Visuals from the scene showed trucks jackknifed across lanes and the median, while passenger vehicles were left scattered along the highway amid intense snowfall.
Injuries reported, no fatalities confirmed
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office said there were no deaths linked to the crash. However, between nine and 12 people sustained injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals by ambulance, CBS News reported, citing the sheriff’s department and its local affiliate WWMT.
Emergency services closed both directions of I-196 between the Hudsonville and Zeeland exits as crews worked to clear debris and assist motorists trapped in the affected area.
Officials expect the closure to remain in place for several hours while cleanup operations continue.
Stranded motorists moved to emergency shelter
Video footage shared by Fox Weather showed multiple semi-trucks jackknifed across the roadway, while cars were left strewn across several lanes.
Another video, posted by a stranded motorist and later shared by AccuWeather, captured vehicles immobilised in near whiteout conditions.
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With a significant number of drivers unable to move, buses from Hudsonville Public Schools and the local Max Transit system were deployed to evacuate motorists. Hudsonville High School was opened as an emergency shelter to accommodate those affected, as per FOX 17.
Winter storm disrupts travel
Michigan State Police said the crash occurred while a winter storm warning was in force across the region.
"Road conditions are treacherous. Blowing winds and blinding snow are creating dangerous travel conditions," police was quoted as saying by Michigan Public.
Authorities urged people to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, warning that driving beyond one’s capability greatly increases the risk of serious accidents.
State police also confirmed that another multi-vehicle crash earlier on Monday, January 19, forced the closure of southbound US-131 in Grand Rapids, highlighting the widespread travel disruption caused by the storm across West Michigan, as per CBS News.
The accident took place in Zeeland Township, located roughly halfway between Grand Rapids and Holland. Heavy snowfall and poor visibility contributed to the massive pileup, News18 reported citing Michigan Public.
Visuals from the scene showed trucks jackknifed across lanes and the median, while passenger vehicles were left scattered along the highway amid intense snowfall.
Injuries reported, no fatalities confirmed
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office said there were no deaths linked to the crash. However, between nine and 12 people sustained injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals by ambulance, CBS News reported, citing the sheriff’s department and its local affiliate WWMT.
A
massive 100-vehicle pileup on Interstate 196 in western Michigan on Monday morning injured several people. https://t.co/clQ1ya7Eq9 pic.twitter.com/Y0Hcr0Qfzd
— AccuWeather (@accuweather) January 19, 2026
Emergency services closed both directions of I-196 between the Hudsonville and Zeeland exits as crews worked to clear debris and assist motorists trapped in the affected area.
Officials expect the closure to remain in place for several hours while cleanup operations continue.
Stranded motorists moved to emergency shelter
Video footage shared by Fox Weather showed multiple semi-trucks jackknifed across the roadway, while cars were left strewn across several lanes.
Another video, posted by a stranded motorist and later shared by AccuWeather, captured vehicles immobilised in near whiteout conditions.
Read more: Can NATO survive America as Donald Trump’s Greenland standoff rattles the alliance
With a significant number of drivers unable to move, buses from Hudsonville Public Schools and the local Max Transit system were deployed to evacuate motorists. Hudsonville High School was opened as an emergency shelter to accommodate those affected, as per FOX 17.
Winter storm disrupts travel
Michigan State Police said the crash occurred while a winter storm warning was in force across the region.
????BREAKING: Drone video shows a massive 100+ vehicle pileup in Michigan with injuries reported amid dangerous winter conditions. Stay with FOX Weather for the latest information: pic.twitter.com/zN8MeNWyVf
— FOX Weather (@foxweather) January 19, 2026
"Road conditions are treacherous. Blowing winds and blinding snow are creating dangerous travel conditions," police was quoted as saying by Michigan Public.
Authorities urged people to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, warning that driving beyond one’s capability greatly increases the risk of serious accidents.
State police also confirmed that another multi-vehicle crash earlier on Monday, January 19, forced the closure of southbound US-131 in Grand Rapids, highlighting the widespread travel disruption caused by the storm across West Michigan, as per CBS News.
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