Crash sends one to hospital for severe burns, officer for smoke inhalation

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. – Officers from the Benton Township Police Department were dispatched to the Pilot Travel Center on E. Napier Ave. Wednesday night for a report of a crash. After arriving on the scene, officers found a Jeep had hit a semi-trailer.

According to officials, the Jeep and the driver, a 59-year-old man from Eau Claire, were both engulfed in flames.

Through combined efforts, the Benton Township Fire and Police Departments were able to put out the fire.

The driver had severe burns and was rushed to Spectrum Health Lakeland and later flown to Bronson Hospital where he remains in serious condition.

One of the police officers was taken to Spectrum Health Lakeland for observation because of smoke inhalation.

The driver of the semi-truck was not injured.

The crash is currently under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Benton Township Police Department at 269-925-1135 or Crime Stoppers at 574-288-STOP.