Man and son injured in two-vehicle crash

AU TRAIN TOWNSHIP — One man was airlifted to the hospital after a traffic crash in Au Train Township Thursday afternoon.

Troopers from the Michigan State Police Negaunee Post say the incident was reported at around 4:30 p.m. on M-94 near Forest Lake Road. 47-year-old David Rinker of Munising was making a u-turn in his minivan from westbound to eastbound M-94 when the van was struck on the driver’s side by a westbound semi hauling liquid waste.

Rinker was airlifted from the scene. His 14-year-old son who was the passenger in his vehicle was taken away by EMS. Both were sent to UP Health System – Marquette. Rinker was admitted to the hospital for treatment of his injuries, while his son was treated and released. The driver of the semi, 50-year-old Steve White of downstate Cedar Springs, was not injured in the crash.

Police say seat belts were in use in both vehicles. Rinker was cited for careless driving.

Michigan State Police were assisted at the scene by the Au Train and Rock River Fire Departments and the UP Health System – Marquette EMS and Life Flight.