Fatal multi-vehicle crash shuts down NB I-75 at Post Rd

Frenchtown Engine One arrived on northbound I-75 and reported that the crash scene was in the middle lane, with conditions serious enough that all northbound lanes of the freeway would need to be shut down. Dispatch confirmed that responding units should operate on the designated emergency channel as they continued toward the scene.

As more Frenchtown units responded to the crash, Engine One advised them over the emergency channel to approach via the median shoulder if possible to get through the traffic backup. Command allowed unit 5812 to reduce to a lower response priority while instructing all other Frenchtown units to continue responding priority one.

On the emergency channel, Frenchtown Engine One asked dispatch for an estimated arrival time for law enforcement and reported that there was an "obvious" fatality at the crash scene. Fire requested that northbound I-75 be shut down, and deputies and other officers radioed that they were nearing the area and began coordinating how to close the freeway at nearby interchanges.

With traffic already at a standstill, units requested additional help to divert vehicles off the freeway at a nearby exit and discussed where to position officers near the I-275/I-75 junction and other ramps. Dispatch confirmed that the crash involved an obvious fatality with a motorcycle, noted a very hysterical female motorcyclist at the scene, and requested victim services and a chaplain to assist those affected while officers continued to block entrance ramps and manage the growing backup.

On scene, an officer reported having two semi-truck drivers as witnesses and asked dispatch to record their commercial vehicle information for the investigation. Other units en route asked which shoulder would be safest to use to reach the crash through the stopped traffic, and command requested that a motorcycle unit be sent back to the I-75 scene to assist with traffic control and crash reconstruction.

To prevent more vehicles from entering the backup, an officer reported having the northbound entrance ramp from Meadow Road closed. Later, another unit at the scene provided dispatch with Michigan trailer and truck plate information for a white Kenworth, documenting key commercial vehicles involved in or relevant to the fatal crash investigation.

As the investigation continued and the freeway remained closed, a unit advised all I-75 crash units that the chaplain was en route to the scene. Anticipating that more relatives and bystanders would arrive, command instructed officers to direct them to gather in the parking lot of a nearby truck stop, where they could be met and supported by victim services and chaplain personnel.

The motorcycle rider, an adult from out of state who had been wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene by responders. Frenchtown Township Fire Department, Monroe Community Ambulance, state transportation crews, state police, and the county sheriff’s office—including its victim services and chaplain programs—worked together to manage the fire, treat those on scene, investigate the crash, and handle the extended closure and detours on northbound I-75 between the Nadeau Road and I-275 exits.