3 dead following Walhalla crash.

3 dead following Walhalla crash.

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.

WALHALLA (Branch Township) — A two vehicle crash Monday afternoon on US 10 between Walhalla and Wever roads has resulted in three dead. Emergency personnel were initially dispatched to the scene at 1:42p.m. The crash involved a Buick Terraza that was struck by a Jeep Patriot. Impact took place several 100 feet east of the Branch Township Fire Department with the vehicles stopping in the fire department parking lot.

According to Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole, a 24-year-old Mason County male, who was in the Buick, was pronounced dead at the scene. A 22-year-old female, who was 8-months-pregnant, also from the Buick, was in critical condition. Passersby and first responders started CPR on her. The driver of the Jeep had apparently fled the scene by foot.

A Mason County Sheriff’s Office deputy and a Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officer tracked the suspect driver for approximately 1/2 mile before locating him with the assistance of citizens in the area.

The 22-year-old female passenger was transported to Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital by ambulance where she and the baby were pronounced dead.

The driver of the Jeep was transported to Ludington hospital by ambulance also and is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

US 10 was closed from 1:45 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. as crash investigators collected evidence. According to Sheriff Cole, speed and alcohol were likely factors in the crash, which remains under investigation.

Names have been withheld pending notification of family.

Emergency units responding included Mason County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, Michigan Department of Natural Resources law enforcement, Branch Township Fire Department, Custer Fire Department, Scottville Fire Department, and Life EMS. Personnel from Mason County Road Commission and Mason County Victims’ Services also assisted.

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