Early morning crash claims the life of a driver in Buchanan Township

BUCHANAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Michigan State Police officers are investigating a single-vehicle crash that claimed one life around 6:45 a.m. Monday morning near the 14000 block of Range Line Road in Buchanan Township.

"Preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of a Ford 250 Transit van was traveling south on Range Line Road when the driver drove off the roadway to the right and struck a tree head on," MSP said. "The vehicle then caught on fire almost immediately with the driver trapped inside."

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene and authorities are still working to positively identify them using medical/dental records to assist.

Police say it is unknown if alcohol and/or drug are a factor in this fatal crash. Whether or not a seatbelt was worn is also unknown.

This crash remains open pending further investigation, including autopsy, lab results, and positive identification.