Truck Crashes into Lake Michigan Water Filtration Plant, Driver Injured
February 22nd, 2010 | 
Author: GRAND HAVEN TOWNSHIP, MI – A truck driver was injured Friday when the tractor trailer he was driving crashed into a water filtration plant in Ottawa County, Michigan. The truck accident happened in Grand Haven Township at the intersection of Michigan State Highway 45/Lake Michigan Drive and Lakeshore Drive. The area is in the west central section of the state on the shores of Lake Michigan, 194 miles northwest of Detroit, Michigan and 166 miles northeast of Chicago, Illinois.
The trailer truck became airborne and flew about 45 to 50 feet before landing in the parking lot of the water filtration plant.The truck finally came to a stop a few feet from the water of Lake MI.
Shortly before 5:00 a.m. Friday morning, 38 year old Alton Hubbard of Detroit, MI was driving a tractor truck west on Michigan 45/Lake Michigan Dr. Mr. Hubbard drives for Detroit based CVA Enterprise, Inc. and had just made a delivery in Zeeland, MI and was on his way to Ludington, MI to pick up another load.
As Mr. Hubbard approached the intersection with Lakeshore Drive he missed the stop sign and continued to drive forward, crashing into the Lake Michigan-Grand Rapids Water Treatment Plant. The 18 wheeler truck smashed through a row of sand barrels, a wrought iron gate, and a cement barrier.
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The trailer truck became airborne and flew about 45 to 50 feet before landing in the parking lot of the water filtration plant. The tractor truck finally came to a stop just a few feet from the water of Lake Michigan.
Emergency personnel from New Haven and Ottawa County arrived at the truck accident scene and helped to remove Mr. Hubbard from the cab. The truck driver reportedly told officials that he did not see the stop sign at the intersection and traveled through it before crashing into the water plant. He also told officials that he did not remember being in the accident. While some reports said he was asleep at the time of the collision, officials believe there possibly could be a medical reason for the crash.
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The truck driver was treated and stabilized at the scene of the truck collision and then transported to North Ottawa Community Hospital in Grand Haven. Mr. Hubbard was admitted to the hospital with possible internal injuries. No one else was injured and there were no other vehicles involved in the truck accident.
The CVS Enterprise truck was heavily damaged in the truck accident, and the front axle was pulled off of the rig. Two fuel tanks were also ripped from the truck during the accident, and approximately 65 to 70 gallons of diesel fuel had spilled onto the ground. The Ottawa County HazMat team was called in to contain and clean up the fuel spill. The team was able to keep the diesel fuel from getting into the plant’s water system. The water plant had a contractor in Grand Rapid who would handle any additional clean up of the area.
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The Grand Haven Township Fire Department was also helping at the scene. According to Fire Chief Tom Gerencer, the truck accident did not cause any harm to the water filtration plant and would not interfere with normal operations. All emergency crews and workers were finished and left the accident site shortly before 9:00 a.m.
The truck accident is still under investigation. No charges have been made at this time.
Since trucking laws are governed by hundreds of regulations, litigation can be very complex. Hiring a truck accident attorney who specializes in the numerous trucking laws throughout the United States is essential for a successful verdict outcome. For more information about Louisiana trucking laws, truck injury causes and victims rights, contact a qualified Michigan truck accident lawyer.
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