A fatal crash in a construction zone on Detroit’s Lodge Freeway left one driver dead and a passenger in critical condition Sunday morning, according to authorities.
The incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. on southbound Lodge Freeway near Wyoming Avenue, according to the Michigan State Police.
Investigators said a construction zone had been set up in the area, with the left and middle lanes closed. A construction vehicle was parked in the left lane while workers were outside placing traffic cones.
Officials reported that workers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed approaching the work zone. The driver failed to move over or slow down and collided with the rear of the unoccupied construction vehicle.
The driver, a 23-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene. A 30-year-old passenger from Southfield was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition. No construction workers were injured.
Authorities shut down the freeway at Wyoming Avenue as investigators worked at the scene.
“This is a sad reminder of the dangers of excessive speed on our roadways,” said Mike Shaw. He urged drivers to slow down, move over, and use caution in construction zones, especially during National Work Zone Awareness Week.
The crash remains under investigation.