Galien man killed in five-car pileup
Published 2:20 pm Sunday, September 15, 2013
A five-vehicle crash Saturday afternoon on U.S. 12, near Hoder Road in Berrien County’s New Buffalo Township, claimed the life of a Galien man.
Sgt. Julie Flick reported officers were dispatched to a section of U.S. 12 under construction, with one lane of travel alternating with temporary traffic signals.
Those involved in the crash and witnesses at the scene told officers several cars traveling west stopped for a red light at the traffic signal.
A semi-truck and trailer was also westbound but failed to stop before crashing into the rear of a 2013 Hyundai driven by Harold Redding, 75, of Galien.
Mr. Redding died a short time later at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Michigan City, Ind.
His wife, Donna Redding, was the passenger in this vehicle and was also transported to St. Anthony’s, treated and released.
The crash caused the Hyundai to be pushed into the vehicle in front of it, a Mercury Marquis.
The Marquis was then pushed into a Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Finally, the Marquis and the motorcycle struck a Buick LeSabre.
In addition to the fatality, five people were taken to local hospitals with injuries.
All had been treated and released.
The driver of the semi truck was identified as David Frost, 66, of Mendon.
Frost was not injured. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in this accident.
After the investigation is completed, reports will be forwarded to the Berrien County Prosecutor’s Office for review of charges on the semi driver.
The crash occurred at 3:17 p.m. Sept. 14.
Assisting at the scene were the Berrien County Sheriff New Buffalo Township Patrol and Accident Reconstruction Team, New Buffalo Police Department, Pokagon Tribal Police Department, Michigan State Police, Three Oaks Police Department, New Buffalo Township Fire Department and Medic 1 Ambulance.