Warren, MI (August 27, 2023) - Several people were hurt early on Sunday after two separate car crashes on Interstate 696 near Warren.

At around 1:50 a.m. on Sunday, a motorist on westbound I-696 near Groesbeck in Warren struck a vehicle involved in a previous crash, according to the Michigan State Police (MSP). After the incident, the Equinox driver got out to check on the other motorist. When the driver of a Dodge Challenger got out of his car and walked away, witnesses told police, a third driver slammed into a parked Chevrolet Equinox at speeds of more than 100 miles per hour, splitting it in two.

Lt. Shaw with the MSP reported that a section of the Equinox caught fire, and the Challenger also caught fire. The 19-year-old male driver of the Challenger driver was injured. He was sent to the emergency room of a nearby hospital, where his status has been upgraded to "serious."

The Challenger passenger in the front seat was also taken to the hospital after suffering severe chest injuries and is now in serious condition. Additionally, a passenger in the back was brought to the hospital in critical condition at this time.

There were no further known injuries, though the probe into the accident is still in progress.

Our thoughts are with the injured victims and their family members. We hope for their full recovery.