Teenager seriously injured in County Road 550 accident

POWELL TOWNSHIP — A teenage girl was critically injured in an accident in Powell Township Thursday night.

The Marquette County Sheriff’s Office says the accident happened around 9:45 p.m. on County Road 550 near County Road KCE. Steven P. Zaworski, 58, the driver of a 2015 International M.J. VanDamme semi truck, was traveling north at a slow speed due to severe weather conditions when a 2012 Lincoln SUV driven by Donald J. Fortin, 36, of Big Bay struck his semi from behind.

In addition to Donald Fortin, Danielle L. Fortin, 33, and their 13-year-old and 5-year-old daughters were passengers in the SUV. All occupants were transported to UP Health System Marquette. The 13-year-old was not wearing a seat belt, and deputies say she was airlifted to the University of Michigan Pediatric Neurosurgery Department, where she is listed in critical condition. The remaining occupants were treated and released. Zaworski was not injured.

Deputies say weather conditions at the time of the crash included snow and blowing snow with very low visibility. They also say that alcohol was not a factor. No citations have been issued at this time, but it appears Fortin may have been traveling too fast for conditions. The crash remains under investigation.

The Marquette County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by Powell Township Fire and EMS, the Marquette Township Fire Department and UP Health System Marquette EMS.