RUTLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A two-vehicle crash on M-37 resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries on Sunday morning.
The incident occurred around 8 a.m. near Fairview Drive in Rutland Township, according to Michigan State Police. A westbound Ford Escape crossed the center line and collided head-on with an eastbound Jeep Compass.
The driver of the Jeep, a 59-year-old woman from Hastings, was pronounced dead at the scene. A male passenger was transported to University of Michigan Health-West with non-life-threatening injuries. Both occupants of the Jeep were wearing seat belts.
The driver of the Ford Escape, a 23-year-old man from Lansing, sustained serious injuries and was taken to Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital. Authorities confirmed he was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
Investigators noted that drug use may have been a contributing factor, though the investigation is ongoing.
M-37 was closed between Irving and Whitmore Roads for approximately six hours while troopers investigated the scene. The roadway has since reopened.
Assisting agencies included the Barry County Sheriff's Office, Hastings Fire Department, Thornapple Township Fire Department, and the Michigan Department of Transportation.