Accident closes M-53
(MARLETTE TOWNSHIP) – A quick-moving, strong thunderstorm is partially being blamed for a personal injury accident in Sanilac County’s Marlette Township Friday afternoon.
According to the Sanilac County Sheriff Department, shortly after 3 p.m. a line of thunderstorms moved through the area, causing a 2019 International Semi-Truck that was towing a 2013 Utility Box empty trailer on M-53, to lose control.
The truck, driven by a 29-year old Kentucky man was heading south, began to sway back and forth, crossing over into the northbound lane.
Investigators say at the same time, a pickup driven by a 51-year old Shelby Township man was traveling north on M-53.
The Shelby Township man observed the semi had lost control and drove into a ditch to avoid a collision.
The driver of the pickup traveled through the ditch before striking a field driveway entrance and went airborne. Deputies say the semi later struck a second northbound vehicle that was northbound on M53.
The trailer struck another pickup, driven by a 62-year-old Rochester Hills man. Deputies reported the only injury in the incident was to the semi-truck driver after it rolled over.
Marlette EMS transported the man to Marlette Regional Hospital for treatment of injuries.
Michigan State Police and Marlette Fire Department assisted deputies at the accident.
M-53 was shut down for several hours as crews worked to secure the semi-truck and clear the scene of debris.
