Car Crashes Head-on into Semi Truck

A 39-year-old Chesterfield Township driver crashed head-on with a semi truck Tuesday, but does not have life-threatening injuries, police said.

Investigators said Thursday they are determining whether a medical condition impaired the man before his 1994 Cadillac collided with a 2007 Frieghtliner in the Gratiot and 22 Mile area. Police said they are awaiting toxicology reports.

At about 3 p.m. Tuesday, the Cadillac was traveling southbound on Gratiot when it veered into the oncoming left turn lane, striking the semi truck at about 50 mph. The semi was waiting to turn onto Dhondt Court when the crash occurred, police said.

Township firefighters and paramedics extracted the man from his vehicle, in part by removing the car roof, and administered first aid, according to police.

The man and the semi truck driver, a 38-year-old Farmington Hills man, were taken to Mount Clemens Regional Medical Center for treatment.

The car was wrecked and the semi had visible damage at the scene.

According to the police report, the impact caused the semi truck to be pushed back several feet. The Cadillac headlight assembly and sunroof were found at the rear of the semi truck tires and the car door mirror was lodged in the Freightliner's front grille.

It's believed the township driver's airbag and safety belt saved his life, Chesterfield Detective Sgt. Deron Myers said.