Family injured in fiery I-96 multi-vehicle crash returning from Ford Field band game - Macomb Daily

A fundraiser has been set up to help the family reach Mt. Pleasant who was involved in a horrific accident east of Lansing on Saturday evening.

The VanHorn family was returning from a high school band competition at Ford Field when a pileup on I-96 in eastern Ingham County killed four people and injured 17.

According to police, the accident happened near Webberville around 11:40 p.m. DTE Energy had just finished installing power lines when they reopened the highway. Cars were stopped in a line, waiting for traffic to calm down, when a semi-trailer crashed into the vehicles.

The crash killed three Lansing residents in a Chevy Trax: a 20-year-old, a 43-year-old and a 47-year-old, all women. A 29-year-old Carson City resident in a Ford F-150 was also killed.

DTE Energy’s corporate spokeswoman discussed the timing of the work.

“If we’re going to do something like this on the highway, we’re going to do it when there is the least amount of traffic on the highway because it needs to be closed for both the safety of people traveling and the safety of people. our crews, so we are working with the Michigan State Police on that and trying to determine what time of day this will cause the least disruption,” Rosso said.

The bridge will be inspected by the Michigan Department of Education, leaving westbound I-96 and M-52 closed indefinitely until inspections end.

Late Monday afternoon, MDOT reported that “eastbound I-96 will have two lanes closed at Chilson Road so crews can safely move the temporary barrier in Howell” from 6:00 PM today through 3:00 AM on Tuesday, November 5.

The VanHorn family, who were brutally hit from behind in the crash, were rescued from the wreckage after their car was engulfed in flames following the collision.

Sam, Kim and Alex VanHorn were all immediately transported to Sparrow Hospital for treatment and were evaluated throughout the night.

Sam was admitted to hospital while the other two have been discharged.

The three feel they “received great care throughout the process,” even though the injuries were extensive. Kim says “there is a long road of recovery ahead of us,” but support levels are high. Things are not going well for Kim’s husband Sam at the moment. He is still in the hospital while Alex is on bed rest at home with a broken lower back. Kim suffered extensive bruising, abrasions, burns and cuts, as well as a large hematoma on her leg. The family has follow-up appointments this week to determine next steps.

Charlene Dengler, sister-in-law of Kim and older sister of Sam, has started a GoFundMe to support her family during this difficult time. Currently, the fundraiser has a goal of $15,000; By early afternoon Monday, $11,380 had been raised. As of 3:30 p.m., the amount raised was almost $15,500, topping the goal, with 321 people donating.

Anyone who would like to donate to the cause and support the VanHorn family, visit the donation site.

The Detroit News contributed to this report.

Originally published: November 4, 2024 at 4:25 PM EST