HUDSONVILLE, Michigan — Emergency crews are responding to one of the largest traffic incidents West Michigan has seen in years after a chain-reaction crash involving more than 100 vehicles shut down a major stretch of I-196 on Monday morning.
According to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were first called to the scene shortly after 10:15 a.m. following reports of multiple collisions, slide-offs, and several jack-knifed semi-trucks along the interstate.
Authorities say numerous people have been injured, though officials emphasized that no fatalities are believed to have occurred as of early afternoon. Victims are being treated and transported to nearby hospitals with the help of local fire departments, ambulance services, and the Michigan State Police.
I-196 Closed in Both Directions
Both eastbound and westbound lanes of I-196 remain closed between the Hudsonville exit and the Zeeland exit while crews work to clear wreckage and locate motorists who may still be trapped inside disabled vehicles. Officials warn the closure is expected to last several hours.
The Michigan Department of Transportation says winter road conditions played a major role in the crash, with blowing lake-effect snow creating sudden whiteout conditions across Ottawa County and surrounding areas.
Buses Transport Stranded Drivers
To assist motorists stranded on the highway, buses from Hudsonville High School and Max Transit have been deployed to safely move drivers off the interstate. Authorities are urging anyone still on the scene to remain inside their vehicles until first responders direct them onto a bus.
Once transported to Hudsonville High School, drivers will be able to arrange rides home or alternative transportation.
A major pileup involving 30–80+ vehicles (semis, tractor-trailers, cars) on I-196 Westbound, a few miles after the Byron exit near Zeeland, MI. Whiteout/near-blizzard conditions with extreme visibility loss. Expect injuries, search-and-rescue on scene, and ongoing road closures.… pic.twitter.com/PYxUx4evBX
— Chicago & Midwest Storm Chasers (@ChicagoMWeather) January 19, 2026
Travel Discouraged Across West Michigan
Officials are advising residents to avoid travel if possible as multiple slide-offs and minor crashes continue to be reported throughout West Michigan. Gusty winds combined with heavy snowfall are making road conditions especially dangerous.
The situation remains fluid, and officials say updates will be released as cleanup continues and more information becomes available.
This is a developing story.
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