ZEELAND, Mich. – A major multi-vehicle pileup shut down part of Interstate 196 southeast of Grand Rapids, Michigan amid heavy lake-effect snow Monday morning. The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office told FOX Weather that minor injuries were reported but no fatalities.
Deputies on scene initially estimated roughly 100 vehicles were involved in the pileup, the Sheriff’s Office said. Drone video of the scene showed at least six tractor-trailers in one section of the crash.
This graphic shows what conditions were like at the time of the crash.
(FOX Weather / FOX Weather)
Michigan State Police said between 30 and 40 semi-trucks were involved.
The chain-reaction pileup began around 10:19 a.m. local time, the county sheriff’s office said.
A major multi-vehicle pileup shut down part of Interstate 196 southeast of Grand Rapids, Michigan Monday morning. The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office told FOX Weather that minor injuries were reported but no fatalities.
(Chicago Midwest & Midwest Storm Chasers)
I-196 is closed between Zeeland and Hudsonville, specifically from Exits 55 to 62, and drivers are encouraged to stay away from the area.
WB I-196 is closed at 32nd Ave in Hudsonville due to a multi-vehicle crash between 32nd Ave and 64th St. Roads are icy. Please avoid the area and use an alternate route. Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office is handling the scene with MSP assisting. Injuries reported; extent unknown. pic.twitter.com/BkzgSb7NLa
— MSP Sixth District (@mspwestmi) January 19, 2026
According to the FOX Forecast Center, the crash happened amid heavy lake-effect snow. Heavy blowing snow was reported with visibility down to just a quarter-mile and winds gusting between 25 and 40 mph.
Some drivers were stranded at the scene and were instructed to remain inside their vehicles until they could be bussed to Hudsonville High School, the sheriff’s office said.
The FOX Forecast Center said snow was falling along Interstate I-196 at the time of the initial crash on Monday morning.
Michigan DOT camera near the site of Monday morning’s 100+ vehicle pileup
(Michigan DOT)
Temperatures were hovering in the low teens. The highway will remain closed for several hours until all drivers have been evacuated and wreckage cleared from the road.
Michigan State Police are advising drivers to slow down and described road conditions as treacherous.
“Blowing winds and blinding snow are creating dangerous travel conditions. Driving beyond your ability increases the risk of serious crashes,” police said on X.
Check back for updates on this developing story.
