Driver In Critical Condition After Concrete Goes Through Windshield On I-696
WARREN (WWJ) - A morning commuter on I-696 was knocked unconscious when a chunk of concrete from the pavement came crashing through her windshield.
Michigan State Police said it happened at around 8:40 a.m. Wednesday, as the woman was traveling the freeway westbound near Hoover Rd. in Warren. She then slammed into another vehicle, according to Lt. Mike Shaw.
The woman was taken by EMS to a local hospital with what police originally described as non-life threatening injuries -- her condition was elevated to critical around 4 p.m.
Shaw said a patching crew has since repaired a hole in the road from where the concrete section, about the size of a football, apparently broke free.
"The concrete wasn't on the road; it was part of 696 itself," Shaw said. "So we're not looking at any type of criminal charges or anything to that effect."
UPDATE: The driver hurt in this crash is currently in critical condition and could use some prayers. Our investigation is completed. pic.twitter.com/tXKAJ0xLxp
— MSP Second District (@mspmetrodet) May 17, 2017
Police have not released the name of the 42-year-old woman from Grosse Pointe. No one else was hurt.
There's been no shortage of complaints about, and problems with, large potholes and cracks since the spring thaw wreaked havoc on pavement across the metro Detroit area. However, with the gas tax hike passed last year, there's renewed hope that repairs to the state's deteriorating freeways are forthcoming.
Those who spot potholes on an I-, US- or M-route, are urged to report them to the MDOT Pothole Hotline at 888-296-4546. You can also report a pothole online at MDOT's "Report a Pothole" website, or by calling your local MDOT Transportation Service Center.
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