Crash knocks out Kalamazoo power for thousands
A hit-and-run crash knocked out power for thousands of Consumers Energy customers in Kalamazoo early Tuesday morning.
The crash happened shortly before 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 7, near Oakland Drive and Parkview Avenue, according to the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety.
Consumers Energy said a vehicle hit two power poles, interrupting service for nearly 3,700 customers in the area as of 7 a.m. Utility crews are planning on replacing the poles and making other repairs throughout the day.
The road was closed for several hours while police investigated and crews cleared hazards from the area. All lanes have since reopened.
The outage also affected traffic lights near Oakland Drive and Parkview Avenue. Until power is restored, drivers should treat the intersection like a four-way stop.
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety has announced that partial power has been restored to some areas. Consumers Energy’s outage map showed an estimated full restoration time of 9 p.m. Tuesday. The company said it is working with local authorities while the crash remains under investigation.
Michigan hit-and-run laws
Under Michigan law, MCL 257.617, drivers involved in crashes resulting in serious injury or death generally must stop at the scene and remain there until they provide required information or report the crash as the statute allows. Drivers are also required to give identifying information and give assistance to an injured person.
Leaving the scene of a fatal crash can result in serious criminal penalties, including felony charges and license consequences.
Even in crashes involving only property damage, Michigan law can require drivers to stop, report the crash or provide identifying information depending on the circumstances.
Hit-and-run investigations often rely on witness statements, nearby surveillance footage, vehicle debris, license plate reader data, phone records, traffic cameras and forensic evidence to identify the vehicle and driver involved.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center is the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates. Our attorneys help injured people and families across Michigan with personal injury, car crashes, no-fault claims, insurance disputes, serious injury claims and wrongful death cases.
If you or a loved one was injured in a Michigan car crash, call Michigan Legal Center at (248) 886-8650 or contact us for a consultation.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.
Michigan Legal Center can help you navigate the issues involved in claims such as this with Michigan car accident medical bills and PIP priority and Michigan wrongful death deadlines.