Fruitport Township Police Department and Fruitport Township Fire Department responded to a one-car rollover crash at approximately 4:45 PM on Thursday, May 17, 2012, on northbound US-31 near Sherman Boulevard.
The involved vehicle had reportedly swerved to avoid striking the vehicle in front of it that had rapidly slowed. While swerving, the vehicle left the right side of the roadway, and the driver lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle rolled over, eventually coming to rest on its roof.
The vehicle was driven by a 35-year-old Holton woman who was accompanied by her 6-year-old daughter. The female driver had to be extricated from the vehicle by Fruitport Township Fire Department. Both occupants of the vehicle were transported from the scene by ProMed Ambulance to Hackley Hospital.
The driver of the vehicle is pregnant. On May 18, family members reported the driver is still in the hospital, being treated for multiple broken bones. The family reports there is no suspected risk to the unborn child. The 6-year-old passenger was treated for minor injuries and released.
Both the driver and passenger were properly restrained with seatbelts and child restraints. Family members stressed the importance of wearing seat belts and using child restraints. They believe the seatbelts and child restraint saved the lives and minimized injuries to the involved parties.
Northbound US-31 was congested for some time following this crash, which resulted in another minor rear-end crash on northbound US-31 south of the original crash site.
Fruitport Township Police Department extends special thanks to Norton Shores Police Department and Muskegon Police Department for assistance at the scene. Appreciation is also extended to Fruitport Township Fire Department, ProMed Ambulance, and Baxter’s Towing for their respective roles with this incident.
This crash follows a fatal rollover crash investigated the prior day by Fruitport Township Police Department in which it appeared as though the driver had not been wearing a seatbelt and had been ejected from the vehicle.
Law enforcement agencies throughout the state are currently engaged in seatbelt enforcement efforts, leading into the Memorial holiday weekend. Please buckle up!
