COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A rollover accident involving a semi tractor-trailer that was hauling glass for automobiles forced a shutdown of northbound I-69 north of the Kinderhook exit on Friday. One lane was re-opened about three hours after the wreck but the interstate was not totally re-opened until mid afternoon. Backups of nearly a mile stretched well into the afternoon.
The Branch County Sheriff’s Office says the accident happened near the Iyopawa Road overpass at about 7:50 a.m. The interstate had to be shut down as the vehicle blocked both lanes of traffic.
The driver, 52-year-old Moses McEwen of Detroit, was found outside his vehicle being assisted by two persons who were heading south on I-69. McEwen suffered cuts to his head, face and right leg. He was taken to the Community Health Center of Branch County for treatment.
First Call Wrecker Service from Fremont, Indiana had to be called in to remove the vehicle which wound up on its side.
Northbound vehicles were directed off at Copeland Road to South Angola Road for six hours until the northbound lanes could be opened again.
The Lakeland Fire Department and Lifecare Ambulance assisted at the scene. The accident is still under investigation.
