At a Glance
- 100-car crash shuts down I-196 near Zeeland Township
- No fatalities reported, numerous injuries at scene
- Buses evacuating stranded drivers to Hudsonville High School
- Why it matters: Whiteout conditions on major Michigan highway create life-threatening travel hazard
A massive multi-vehicle crash involving up to 100 cars has closed Interstate 196 in western Michigan, stranding drivers amid dangerous winter weather conditions.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office reported the pileup just before noon on January 19, 2026, on I-196 near 64th Avenue in Zeeland Township, approximately 25 miles southwest of Grand Rapids. The crash has shut down the highway in both directions between Hudsonville and Zeeland.
Emergency responders are using Hudsonville Public School buses to transport stranded drivers from the crash site to Hudsonville High School for safety. The sheriff’s office has urged motorists still trapped at the scene to remain inside their vehicles until they can board evacuation buses.
“Motorists currently stranded on scene should remain inside their vehicles until they are able to board a bus for transportation to Hudsonville High School,” the department stated. “We are asking the public to avoid driving today, especially in this area, due to hazardous conditions.”
Crash Scene Details
According to News Of Los Angeles affiliate WOOD-TV, the crash involved as many as 100 vehicles and included several jack-knifed semi-trucks. Images from the scene show multiple tractor-trailers in ditches alongside crashed passenger vehicles on snow-covered roadways.
The crash occurred during a period of intense lake-effect snowfall that created whiteout conditions across the region. The National Weather Service had specifically warned against travel on I-196 hours before the pileup occurred.
“Travel is not recommended near and west of US 131 this morning into the afternoon,” the National Weather Service posted on X. “This especially includes I-196. Whiteouts, slide offs and multi car accidents have been observed on major roads via MDOT webcams as lake effect snow bands and blowing snow are occurring.”
Weather Conditions
The dangerous weather system brought snowfall rates of up to half-inch per hour to the area, creating near-zero visibility on major roadways. Lake-effect snow bands combined with blowing snow to create treacherous driving conditions across western Michigan.
The National Weather Service’s Grand Rapids office specifically highlighted I-196 as a concern area, noting that their observations via Michigan Department of Transportation webcams showed multiple accidents already occurring before the major pileup.
Emergency Response
Multiple emergency agencies responded to the scene as reports of the massive crash came in. The evacuation effort using school buses represents an unusual but necessary measure given the scale of the incident and the dangerous weather conditions.
Authorities established Hudsonville High School as the primary evacuation point where stranded motorists could find shelter and warmth while transportation arrangements were made.
Injuries and Casualties
While the crash involved nearly 100 vehicles, initial reports indicate that injuries were numerous but not life-threatening. WOOD-TV reported “numerous” injuries at the scene, though none are known to be fatal at this time.
The relatively low casualty rate given the scale of the crash may be attributed to reduced speeds due to the hazardous weather conditions, though this has not been confirmed by investigating authorities.
Highway Closure Impact
The closure of I-196 in both directions has created significant traffic disruptions in the region. The highway serves as a major route connecting Grand Rapids to Lake Michigan communities, and the shutdown affects commuter and commercial traffic.
No timeline has been provided for when the highway might reopen, as cleanup efforts continue and weather conditions remain hazardous.
Public Safety Warning
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office has issued a strong advisory for residents to avoid driving, particularly in the area of the crash. The combination of ongoing snowfall, already-accumulated snow, and the emergency response activity makes travel extremely dangerous.
Authorities are treating this as an active emergency scene and are working to ensure all stranded motorists are safely evacuated before addressing vehicle removal and highway cleanup.
Key Takeaways
- Up to 100 vehicles involved in I-196 pileup near Zeeland Township
- Highway closed in both directions with no reopening timeline
- School buses evacuating stranded drivers to Hudsonville High School
- Numerous injuries reported but no fatalities confirmed
- Lake-effect snow creating whiteout conditions across region
- Public urged to avoid driving due to hazardous conditions
