UPDATE: Fatal traffic accident on US-2 in Bessemer

UPDATE — US-2 in the city of Bessemer is now open, as officers continue their investigation into a fatal motor vehicle accident that occurred near the intersection of US-2 and Fairview Drive this afternoon.

The initial investigation indicates that around 1:49pm, 41-year-old Rex Robert Smith of Wakefield was traveling eastbound on US-2 when he lost control of his vehicle, and spun into the westbound lanes, colliding with a vehicle driven by 86-year-old Alvin Liikanen of Ironwood. Liikanen and his passenger, 87-year-old Barbara Liikanen, were transported to Aspirus Ironwood Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Smith was extricated from his vehicle by the use of the Jaws of Life. He too was transported to Aspirus, and was later pronounced dead. Speed and reckless driving are believed to have been factors in the accident.

(See original story below)

BESSEMER — US-2 in the city of Bessemer remains closed at this time as officers continue their investigation into a fatal motor vehicle accident that occurred near the intersection of US-2 and Fairview Drive this afternoon.

The accident occurred around 1:49pm, with 3 victims being transported to Aspirus Ironwood Hospital. At this time, there is one confirmed fatality.

Traffic is currently being re-routed via the Industrial Park Access Road to Old County Road, and then to Puritan Road. An alternate route around the accident scene is North Moore Street to Black River Road, and then to Powderhorn Road.

The Gogebic County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Advance Accident Investigators from the Michigan State Police. This is a developing story, stay with us for updates.