Local News
One victim killed in fiery crash on I-96 in Ingham County identified
The driver of the semi-truck also suffered serious burn injuries.
A tragic multi-vehicle accident on westbound I-96 in Ingham County late Saturday night left four people dead and 17 others injured.
The crash occurred around 11:42 p.m. near M-52 in the Webberville area, resulting in a devastating pile-up involving around 15 vehicles, many of which caught fire.
The accident happened shortly after Michigan State Police (MSP) had temporarily closed the highway to allow DTE Energy crews to work on power lines over the expressway. When authorities reopened the road, some vehicles remained stopped on the expressway.
As traffic was resuming, a semi-truck with a trailer, unable to see or stop in time, collided with the stationary vehicles.
The collision triggered a fiery chain reaction, with the semi-truck and numerous other vehicles igniting upon impact.
According to MSP, the victims who lost their lives included a 29-year-old man from Carson City who was driving a Ford F-150 pickup truck. Also among the deceased were three individuals from Lansing: a 20-year-old woman, a 43-year-old woman, and 47-year-old Brandon Glasscoe.
Tragically, three of the four fatalities occurred in a single vehicle, while the driver of the pickup truck was ejected and killed upon impact.
Seventeen additional people sustained serious injuries and were transported to University of Michigan Health-Sparrow and McLaren Hospitals in Lansing.
The driver of the semi-truck also suffered serious burn injuries.
The intense fire resulting from the crash led to prolonged closures on I-96 and M-52 as crews from the Michigan Department of Transportation assessed the structural integrity of the overpass and cleared the extensive wreckage.
The area remained closed for nearly 24 hours while emergency responders and MDOT worked to make the scene safe for reopening.
Access to westbound I-96 near Webberville was finally restored on Monday morning, allowing traffic to resume after extensive clean-up efforts.
This incident is under ongoing investigation by the Michigan State Police, who continue to gather information to understand all contributing factors in this horrific accident.
It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Deputy Sheriff Carl “Little Chief” Jensen, a deeply respected and dedicated member of the Little River County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Jensen was found deceased earlier this evening after he did not report for his scheduled shift.
Deputy Jensen was more than a colleague—he was a cherished brother in uniform, a trusted protector of the community, and a steadfast public servant whose presence will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Carl’s journey into law enforcement was driven by a passion to protect those who could not protect themselves.
After completing college, he began his career with Adult Protective Services, investigating allegations of abuse and exploitation in state hospitals, group homes, and home health care settings.
It was during one such case—uncovering the truth behind a complex exploitation investigation—that Carl realized his calling. “I got bit by the law enforcement bug that day,” he once said. “I wanted to help protect and bring justice to those who need it.”
Throughout his career, Deputy Jensen demonstrated extraordinary empathy, integrity, and resilience. He often reflected on the emotional weight of his work, especially when responding to calls on what could be the most difficult days in people’s lives.
“Sometimes, people don’t realize that we’re there to help everyone involved,” he shared. “Even on what could be their worst day, I can do my best to make it better—or at least keep them calm.” His compassion and humanity set an example for us all.
Our deepest condolences and unwavering support go out to Deputy Jensen’s family during this incredibly painful time.
We ask the community to join us in keeping his loved ones and our department in your thoughts and prayers as we grieve this heartbreaking loss.
Deputy Carl Jensen’s legacy of service, kindness, and courage will never be forgotten.
We are grateful for his life, his dedication, and the profound impact he had on those he served and served with.