BLACKMAN TWP., MI – Two men lost their lives on June 9 when a box truck crashed into a tractor-trailer Monday on Interstate 94 near Jackson.
Authorities said that the box truck struck the rear of the 18-wheeler under the Airport Road overpass in Blackman Township. The collision killed both occupants.
Police identified the driver as a 30-year-old Sterling Heights resident. Tyreke Martez Johnson, age 22, of Warren, died as a passenger in the truck. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
The tractor-trailer was hauling two trailers loaded with gravel. Its driver escaped injury in the crash.
Blackman-Leoni Township Department of Public Safety Director Darin McIntosh said the gravel hauler may have slowed due to heavy traffic. The time of day typically brings congested conditions on that stretch of highway.
Police have not determined why the box truck driver failed to stop. An investigation is underway.
The accident closed the highway for about seven hours.