Man Dies Trapped Inside Fiery SUV In Fatal Multiple Car Crash

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI — A man died after becoming trapped inside his fiery SUV in a fatal multi-vehicle crash in Pontiac. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit has launched an investigation, according to a press release.

The crash happened on M-59 west in Pontiac at roughly 6:03 a.m. on Jan. 3. Deputies say a man driving a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer lost control on M-59 west, crossed the grass median, entered the east bound lane of M-59 and was hit by two vehicles - a 2014 Cadillac ATS and a 2016 Chrysler 200.

The Chevrolet Trailblazer came to a stop and caught fire, trapping the driver inside. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The front seat passenger of the Trailblazer, 24-year-old Clinton Township resident, escaped from the Trailblazer and was pulled to safety by witnesses.

The driver of the Cadillac ATS, a 46-year-old Howell resident, was seriously injured and had to be extricated from his vehicle by the Waterford Regional Fire Department. The driver of the Chrysler 200, a 44-year-old Brighton resident, was also injured.

All of the victims were transported to McLaren-Oakland Hospital. The passenger of the Chevrolet Trailblazer was listed in stable condition, the driver of the Cadillac is listed in serious condition, and the driver of the Chrysler was treated and released.

Deputies report that all occupants were wearing seat belts and alcohol does not appear to have been a factor.

The Crash Reconstruction Unit is looking for the circumstances that triggered the Chevrolet Trailblazer to leave the roadway and the crash is under investigation.

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