A fatal crash in Lansing Township on Saturday night has left one man dead and five others seriously injured, with investigators now probing whether the at-fault SUV was involved in an earlier hit-and-run just moments before the deadly collision.
The crash occurred around 8 p.m. on March 28 along W. Saginaw Street near Rosemary Street, according to Lansing police. Authorities say an SUV traveling eastbound suddenly crossed into the westbound lanes, setting off a violent chain-reaction crash involving multiple vehicles.
The SUV first struck a westbound vehicle head-on. The force of that impact then caused a second collision involving another westbound vehicle, turning a routine evening on one of Lansing’s busiest roads into a chaotic and tragic scene.
Police confirmed that a 36-year-old Lansing man was killed in the crash. Officials have not yet disclosed which of the vehicles he was in at the time of the collision. His identity has also not been released pending notification of family members.
Five other people suffered serious injuries and were transported to hospitals in the Lansing area. Authorities have not provided further updates on their conditions, but the extent of injuries underscores the severity of the crash.
Speed and Alcohol Under Investigation
Investigators believe that speed and alcohol may have played a significant role in the crash. While officials stopped short of confirming those factors, they stated that both are “believed to have been contributing factors” as the investigation continues.
The case has now been classified as a criminal investigation, signaling that potential charges could follow depending on the findings.
Incidents involving impaired or high-speed driving often lead to devastating outcomes, particularly on multi-lane roads like W. Saginaw Street where traffic flow is constant. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding remains a major factor in fatal crashes across the United States, often intensifying the impact and reducing reaction time for other drivers.
Possible Hit-and-Run Link Emerges
One of the most concerning aspects of the case is a potential connection to an earlier incident. Police said they received reports that the same SUV involved in the fatal crash may have been part of another collision on W. Saginaw Street near Waverly Road around the same time.
According to those reports, the driver may have fled that earlier scene before continuing eastbound—leading to the crash near Rosemary Street. However, authorities emphasized that this information has not yet been confirmed.
If proven true, the situation could significantly escalate, potentially involving additional charges related to leaving the scene of an accident.
Police are now actively working to verify this sequence of events and are urging the public to assist.
Authorities Seek Witnesses
Investigators are asking anyone who may have seen the SUV prior to the crash—or who witnessed either collision—to come forward. Even minor details, such as the vehicle’s speed, erratic driving, or dashcam footage, could help establish a clearer timeline.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Lansing Police Department at 517-485-1700.
The investigation is being led by the Ingham Regional Crash Investigation Team, with support from multiple agencies including the Lansing Police Department, the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office, and Michigan State University Police.
The coordinated response highlights the seriousness of the crash and the complexity of the investigation, particularly with the possibility of multiple incidents tied together.
A Community Shaken
The stretch of W. Saginaw Street where the crash occurred remained closed for hours Saturday night as emergency crews worked the scene, assisted the injured, and began collecting evidence.
For local residents, the crash is another reminder of how quickly situations can turn deadly on busy roadways. What began as a routine Saturday evening ended in tragedy, leaving one family grieving and several others coping with serious injuries.
As investigators continue to examine evidence, including vehicle damage, roadway conditions, and potential toxicology reports, more details are expected to emerge in the coming days.
For now, officials say their priority is determining exactly what led to the SUV crossing into oncoming traffic—and whether earlier actions by the driver contributed to the devastating outcome.
The case remains under active investigation.
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