Mecosta County, MI – A 59-year-old man from Kentwood and his 61-year-old sister from Minnesota were killed Sunday afternoon when their vehicle struck an overpass at high speed and caught fire on US 131 southbound, according to the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office. Their dog also died in the crash.
The collision happened just north of Perry Avenue at around 12:07 p.m., forcing authorities to close part of the highway for emergency response and structural repairs.
High-Speed Impact and Fire
Deputies said the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed before it veered off the road and slammed into the overpass. The impact caused the car to ignite, resulting in a fully engulfed fire.
Emergency crews from the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office and Big Rapids Fire Department responded quickly, working to extinguish the flames before beginning the investigation as reported.
Once the fire was out, authorities identified the victims as Mark Lewis, 59, of Kentwood, Michigan, and Tamyra Northern, 61, of Prior Lake, Minnesota.
Highway Closure and Repairs
The crash caused significant damage to the overpass structure, prompting the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to close southbound US 131 at Perry Avenue, exit 139. Traffic is being diverted to the off-ramp while engineers assess and repair the damage.
Officials have not yet determined how long the closure will remain in place, but repairs are expected to take time due to the potential compromise of the overpass structure.
Investigation Ongoing
The Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office said the cause of the crash remains under investigation. Authorities are considering all possible factors, including driver error, mechanical issues, or medical emergencies.
Dangers of High-Speed Driving
Law enforcement officials stress that high-speed driving significantly increases the risk of fatal crashes. At higher speeds, drivers have less time to react to obstacles, and collisions result in greater force upon impact, often leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
In addition to human lives lost, pets traveling in vehicles are also at risk in severe collisions, as seen in Sunday’s tragedy. Safety advocates recommend obeying posted speed limits, reducing speed during inclement weather, and always securing pets in travel carriers or harnesses while on the road.
What do you believe are the most effective measures to reduce high-speed crashes on highways? Share your views in the comments section below.
