Front end loader collides with Michigan State Police patrol car

A two vehicle accident involving a front end loader and a Michigan State Police patrol vehicle occurred on US-41 in Franklin Township Wednesday afternoon.

At shortly before 2:30 p.m., Michigan State Police from the Calumet Post say that a Michigan State Police trooper was driving northbound on US-41 with emergency lights and sirens activated. A front end loader driving in the same lane failed to yield as it was being overtaken by the trooper’s vehicle. The loader, driven by a 62-year-old Houghton man, attempted to turn left onto Pontiac Road as the patrol vehicle was passing. The front end loader’s bucket struck the passenger side of the patrol car, causing it to spin into a snow bank.

The patrol car sustained extensive damage. There was no damage to the loader. The loader’s driver was cited for failing to yield while being overtaken. There were no injuries. The trooper was responding to a domestic assault complaint in Calumet Township when the incident occurred.

The Michigan State Police want to remind motorists to be aware of their surroundings while traveling, and to always yield to emergency vehicles by cautiously pulling over to the side of the road.