Crash investigators are trying to determine if a driver who crashed into a man filling his tank on the side of I-696 last week and killed him was distracted by a phone.
Warrants for the suspect’s vehicle and cell phone records are being pulled to determine if the driver was distracted, according to authorities.
The fatal crash happened lastTuesday on the westbound lanes of I-696 east of Dequindre Road in Warren.
Authorities said the driver of a 2000 Pontiac had ran out of gas and stopped on the right shoulder of westbound I-696.
The driver’s father brought gas to the scene, driving a 2005 Dodge, and parked on the shoulder in front of the 2000 Pontiac. The driver of the Pontiac was putting gas in his vehicle and standing outside of it near the rear driver’s side tire when the driver of a 2015 Chrysler going westbound in the far-right lane lost control and struck the pedestrian still standing outside of the Pontiac. The Chrysler then struck the Pontiac, which pushed it into the rear of the Dodge. The pedestrian was crushed between the Chrysler and Pontiac.
The pedestrian received fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. No other injuries were reported.
Investigators said there have been media reports of this crash being caused by a pothole.
“That is not correct, there were no potholes in the area at the time of the crash. At this time, it appears that speed or distracted driving is the cause.”
No charges have been filed.
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