Police: Woman Killed In Explosion On Lodge Freeway Was Pregnant
DETROIT (WWJ) - Authorities have identified the woman killed in a vehicle explosion on a metro Detroit freeway as a 23-year-old expecting mother.
Police say Kayla White, of Ferndale, was killed around 4:45 p.m. Tuesday when her car exploded along northbound M-10, just north of the Telegraph Road exit.
Michigan State Police say the incident started as a chain reaction crash. Initial investigation revealed that traffic was slowing in the right lane of M-10 near Telegraph when the driver of a 2002 Cadillac, who police say was not paying attention, could not stop and struck a 2003 Jeep Liberty, driven by White.
The collision forced White's vehicle into a 2014 Nissan Cube, which then struck a 2015 Lincoln MKZ, which was slowing for traffic.
The impact of the crash caused White's vehicle to overturn and catch fire. Despite efforts from Good Samaritans, White was trapped in the vehicle and unable to escape.
No other injuries were reported.
[Shocked Family, Friends Seek Answers After Pregnant Woman Dies In Freeway Explosion]
Police say alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation. The police report will be sent to prosecutors to determine if any criminal charges will be filed.
Lt. Mike Shaw said investigators are working to get a warrant to check if the driver who caused the accident, a 69-year-old Beverly Hills man, was texting at the time of the crash.
White was a 2009 graduate of Ferndale High School. According to her Facebook profile, White was expecting to give birth to her first child -- a boy she planned to name Braedin Joseph -- this December.
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