COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A fatal vehicle-pedestrian accident on I-69 near the Jonesville exit tied up traffic for miles on the southbound side of the interstate Monday afternoon and jammed up nearby secondary roads in the Coldwater area.
The Michigan State Police reports the incident happened at about 3:05 p.m.. According to their preliminary investigation, a 67 year old man from Riverview, Michigan was stopped along the shoulder of the highway apparently due to some sort of vehicle maintenance issue.
The victim was outside of his vehicle when a passing vehicle struck him. The man from Riverview was pronounced dead at the scene.
Alcohol is not believed to be a factor at this time. The Michigan State Police 5th District Accident Reconstructionist assisted in the investigation which is ongoing.
Traffic on the southbound side of I-69 was backed up several miles into Calhoun County. Drivers were routed off at the Jonesville exit and that led to bumper to bumper traffic on nearby roads.
The interstate was reopened just after 7:00 p.m..
The Branch County Sheriff’s Department and Coldwater Police assisted with traffic control. The Coldwater Fire department and Life Care Ambulance assisted at the scene.
