A 41-year-old man from Coopersville, Michigan, has died following a multi-vehicle crash on eastbound Interstate 94 in Royalton Township on Tuesday, April 21, according to the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the victim as Brian Luke, who was a passenger in a small bus that had been converted for personal use. The crash occurred at approximately 11:28 a.m. near the 27.4 mile marker in an active construction zone. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and provided immediate assistance. Luke was transported for medical care but died from his injuries during ambulance transport to Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids.
Preliminary findings from deputies indicate that a U-Haul truck pulling a trailer made a sudden lane change within the construction area. This maneuver caused traffic in the eastbound lanes to slow abruptly. A semi-truck hauling a 53-foot enclosed trailer was unable to reduce speed in time and collided with the rear of the converted bus. The force of the impact pushed the bus forward into a Buick SUV traveling ahead.
Several other passengers in the bus sustained injuries of varying severity and were treated by emergency personnel. The extent of their injuries has not been fully disclosed.
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. The department’s traffic crash reconstruction unit is actively reviewing evidence, and a full report will be submitted to the Berrien County Prosecutor’s Office to determine whether any criminal charges are warranted.
Officials are reminding drivers to exercise caution in construction zones, reduce speed, and remain attentive to changing traffic conditions to help prevent similar incidents.
Multiple emergency agencies responded to the scene, including local police departments, fire departments, ambulance services, and the Michigan Department of Transportation.
