MACKINAW CITY, MI — The Mackinac Bridge was closed for more than an hour after a two-vehicle crash left a truck’s wheels hanging over the side.
The Mackinaw City Police Department says the crash occurred when Scott Bartholomew of Fenton was driving a vehicle northbound, lost control, crossed the center line and crashed into a southbound vehicle driven by Jeffrey McCague of Brighton around 10:40 a.m. on Friday.
Bartholomew’s vehicle was hit broadside and eventually stopped with two if its wheels hanging over the guard rail on the 5-mile-long suspension bridge connecting Michigan’s two peninsulas.
Both he and his passenger received non-life threatening injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment, police said. McCague also received non-life threatening injuries and was transported to the Mackinac Straits Hospital where he was treated and released.
The bridge has since reopened, according to police.
MDOT spokesman James Lake said the crash scene has been cleared and those involved have received medical attention. The Mackinac Bridge Authority has examined the railing where the crash took place.
“It appears the railing did its job,” Lake said. “The MBA staff has inspected the railing, and while the top rail was bent, the railing system is sound.”
MBA crews will repair the bent rail at a later date, Lake said.
The Mackinaw City Police Department was assisted at the scene by the Emmet EMS, Strais Area EMS, Mackinac County Sheriff’s Department, St. Ignace Police Department, Mackinaw City and St. Ignace Fire Departments, and the Mackinac Bridge Authority.
