By Staff
NILES - A flurry of accidents on U.S. 12 and the 31 bypass kept multiple police agencies and fire departments busy Tuesday morning, a press release from the Michigan State Police read. Freezing snow and high winds made driving treacherous as the roadways became very slippery.
The Michigan State Police Niles post handled four property damage accidents in the Niles area and one personal injury accident at U.S. 12 and Bakertown Road. Several motorists also slid off the road on the 31 bypass without injury or damage to their vehicles.
A head-on collision occurred on U.S. 12 near Bakertown Road. Max Jeffrey, age 81, of Niles was heading west on U.S. 12 when his vehicle crossed the center line and struck an eastbound vehicle driven by Jim Cole, age 66 of Niles. A passenger in each vehicle was injured and transported to Lakeland Hospital in Niles.
Emma Jeffrey, 78, of Niles, sustained injuries to her hip and Geraldine Cole, 59, of Niles, suffered leg injuries.
The accident remains under investigation. SMCAS and Bertrand Township Fire Dept. assisted at the scene.