Multi Vehicle Crash w/ injuries

Person Making Release: Sgt. Jerad Phillips
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Date and Time of Incident: 4-21-26 @ approximately 1128 hours
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Type of Incident: Multi Vehicle Crash w/ injuries
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Location of Incident: EB I-94 near the 27.4mm, Royalton Township, Berrien County, MI
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Agencies Involved: Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, Saint Joseph Township Police Department, Lincoln Township Police Department, Royalton Township Fire Department, Lincoln Township Fire Department, Medic 1 Ambulance, MDOT
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Narrative:

Deputies responded to a multi car crash that occurred on eastbound I-94 near the 27.4 mile marker in Royalton Township, Berrien County, Michigan. Deputies on scene learned that a U-Haul truck pulling a trailer made a last-minute lane change in the active construction zone which caused other vehicles traveling eastbound to slow down rapidly. An eastbound semi pulling a 53’ enclosed trailer failed to slow down, and rear ended a small passenger bus which was converted to personal use. The bus was then pushed into a small Buick SUV. Several passengers in the bus were injured with one passenger sustaining serious injuries.

The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office urges the public to slow down and pay attention in active construction zones to prevent traffic crashes like this from occurring.

The crash remains under investigation by the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office traffic crash reconstruction unit.

*****UPDATE*******
The Berrien County Sheriffs Office has learned that the passenger that suffered serious injuries was transported to Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids hours after the crash. During the transport by Ambulance the victim, 41 yr old Brian Luke of Coopersville, Mi died as a result of injuries sustained earlier in the motor vehicle crash. This incident is still being investigated, and a complete report will be submitted to the Berrien County Prosecutors Office for review for the possibility of criminal charges.

Lt Thad Chartrand