Hudsonville, MI (WGHN) – Ottawa County Central Dispatch received reports of a single vehicle on fire in the westbound lanes of I-196 near 32nd Avenue around 4:20 a.m. this morning.
Upon arrival, first responders located a single vehicle fully engulfed in flames in the ditch along WB I-196. All of the teen occupants had exited the vehicle prior to emergency personnel arrival.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the vehicle was driven by an unidentified individual who fled the scene before responders arrived. According to passenger statements, the vehicle had been struck by another unknown vehicle, causing it to veer off the roadway into the ditch. The dry grass beneath the vehicle ignited, spreading the fire to the vehicle itself.
An 18-year-old male passenger from Benton Harbor sustained non-life-threatening burns to his arms and legs. He was transported by Life EMS to Zeeland Hospital for treatment.
The crash remains under active investigation.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Silent Observer at (877) 88-SILENT.
Comments