Crime & Safety
Ionia County, MI Crash: BMW Rolls Multiple Times, Injuring 5
Danby Township, MI – Five people were seriously injured Sunday morning after a BMW traveling on Interstate 96 lost control, left the roadway and rolled multiple times, ejecting several occupants and f
By Jenna Hartley · 2026-11-09T18:33:56.336Z
Danby Township, MI – Five people were seriously injured Sunday morning after a BMW traveling on Interstate 96 lost control, left the roadway and rolled multiple times, ejecting several occupants and forcing a portion of the westbound highway to close for hours.
According to the Ionia County Sheriff 's Office, deputies responded around 7:08 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, to westbound I 96 near Clinton Road in Danby Township, west of the Lansing metropolitan area.
The incident was initially reported as a multi vehicle collision, but investigators determined that only one vehicle, a black 2020 BMW X1, was involved.
Investigators Turn to Snapchat Video
Deputies reported that all five occupants initially denied being the driver when questioned at the scene.
Investigators subsequently obtained a Snapchat video posted before the crash that reportedly showed where everyone had been seated inside the vehicle.
Authorities said the footage helped establish the occupants' seating positions as investigators worked to determine who had been driving.
Witness statements and additional evidence indicated that the BMW had been traveling at a high rate of speed on westbound I 96 in Clinton County before the collision.
The vehicle reportedly left the roadway, struck a ditch and rolled several times before landing upright.
Five Hospitalized With Serious Injuries
Investigators said multiple occupants were ejected during the rollover.
Only one person was believed to have been wearing a seat belt.
Additional emergency medical personnel responded, and all five occupants were transported to regional hospitals with serious injuries.
Excessive speed and alcohol are believed to have contributed to the crash , according to the Sheriff's Office.
Westbound I 96 was closed for several hours while emergency crews responded and investigators examined the scene.
The response included Portland police, fire and EMS personnel, Life EMS, Grand Ledge firefighters, the Michigan Department of Transportation and other agencies.
Authorities have not announced any arrests or charges in connection with the collision.
The investigation remains ongoing.