Fiery crash on US-131 claims three lives, closes freeway due to overpass damage

County Sheriff’s Office and the Big Rapids Fire Department responded to a fatal crash on southbound U.S. 131 near mile marker 139.

According to a news release, emergency personnel arrived at the scene and found that a vehicle had veered off the roadway at high speed, struck the Perry Avenue overpass, and became engulfed in flames. After the Big Rapids Fire Department extinguished the fire, emergency personnel discovered two people and a dog inside the vehicle. The two individuals were identified as Mark Lewis, 59, of Kentwood, Michigan, and his sister, Tamyra Northern, 61, of Prior Lake, Minnesota. All three were pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with all possible factors being considered.

Due to damage to the overpass, the bridge’s structural integrity may be compromised. As a result, southbound lanes of U.S. 131 will be closed at Perry Avenue and Exit 139 until further notice. This will allow the Michigan Department of Transportation to assess and repair the damage.

Deputies were assisted at the scene by Big Rapids Fire and Rescue, the Michigan State Police Accident Investigation Team, the Michigan Department of Transportation, Osceola County EMS, Mecosta County Sheriff’s Posse, Big Rapids Police Department, Ferris State University Department of Public Safety, Meceola Central Dispatch, the Mid-Michigan Medical Examiner Group, Townline Towing, and Currie’s Towing.