One 10-year-old child was seriously injured in an accident that occurred Sept. 10 at 6:40 p.m. at the Atwater/M-24 intersection in the Village of Lake Orion.
A preliminary investigation of the accident backed up traffic on M-24 until after 10 p.m.
The accident involved a minivan with two adults and three children inside and a commercial tow truck out of Flint pulling a tractor and trailer.
According to Lake Orion Police Chief Jerry Narsh, the tow truck was northbound and the minivan was in the left turn lane on M-24 trying to go east on Atwater when the accident happened.
The child was ejected from the van and later transported to a local hospital. Other occupants of the van had minor injuries. The tow truck driver wasn’t injured.
Narsh said investigation of the accident is still ongoing, but alcohol was not a factor.
‘An accident as serious as this requires a detailed investigation,? Narsh added.
Numerous left turn accidents have taken place at this intersection over the years.
‘This exact scenario is the reason Lake Orion police and village officials have been continually contacting MDOT (Michigan Department of Transportation) about our urgent need for a left turn arrow at this intersection,? Narsh said.
‘Accidents at this intersection are usually serious, needless to say.?
Narsh plans on again contacting MDOT and local state representative and senator regarding the safety issues at this intersection.
‘But until MDOT acts, my hands are tied. It’s frustrating. No one knows this intersection like local police.?
Narsh is still looking for witnesses who saw the accident. He’s asking those people to call the police department at 248-693-8321.