Crash on I-75 in Monroe closes morning traffic
11/16/2012MONROE -- Seven people were taken to area hospitals with minor injuries after a two-vehicle crash on southbound I-75 in Berlin Township today.
Dedric Carpenter, 38, of Detroit, who was driving a semi hauling an empty tanker-style trailer, was southbound on the interstate, north of Sigler Road, about 4 a.m. when he swerved to avoid hitting a deer, deputies from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office reported.
The accident temporarily closed both directions of traffic on I-75 in between exits 21 and 26, between Newport and South Rockwood.
The truck jackknifed and hit a guardrail, ultimately blocking the left and center lanes of traffic.
A tour bus, driven by Kay Chatman, 57, of Detroit, was driving in the center lane and struck the truck, deputies said.
The bus, carrying 30 passengers, was one of four enroute to Tennessee.
Mr. Carpenter, Ms. Chatman, and five people on the tour bus were taken to either South Shore Hospital in Trenton, Mich., or Mercy Memorial Hospital in Monroe to be treated for "minor injuries," authorities said.
Deputies said alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash, though it remains under investigation.