By Crash News Writer 
Benton Township, MI (October 8, 2026) – A 24-year-old road worker from Charlotte was killed Tuesday afternoon, October 6, after a sanitation truck crashed into a pickup truck in an active construction zone in Eaton County.
According to the Michigan State Police, the collision occurred around 2:30 p.m. on Lansing Road near Nixon Road in Benton Township.
Investigators reported that the Eaton County Road Commission had temporarily closed Lansing Road to northbound traffic while crews performed road work. Flag workers were directing vehicles through the area.
A 33-year-old Charlotte man driving a pickup truck had stopped as directed by a flag worker when a Kenworth sanitation truck, driven by a 42-year-old Owosso man, failed to stop and struck the pickup.
The impact pushed the pickup into three unoccupied road commission trucks parked nearby. A 24-year-old road commission employee attempted to avoid the vehicles but was struck during the collision. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The pickup driver and his 40-year-old passenger were transported to a hospital with minor injuries. No injuries were reported among the sanitation truck’s occupants.
Lansing Road was closed between Royston Road and Windsor Highway for several hours while emergency crews responded and investigators examined the scene.
The Eaton County Road Commission confirmed that the employee was working his final day before leaving to pursue a new opportunity in Northern Michigan.
Michigan State Police continue investigating the collision. Authorities said they do not currently believe drugs or alcohol contributed to the crash.
Protect Your Rights After a Fatal Accident Today
Fatal construction zone accidents can leave families facing funeral expenses, lost income, and difficult questions about their legal rights. Road workers face serious risks when vehicles enter active work areas, particularly when traffic is stopped or redirected.
Understanding car accident laws in Michigan can help injured individuals and surviving family members learn about potential legal options following a serious collision.
Anyone searching for a car accident near me should understand the importance of preserving evidence, documenting injuries, and obtaining official investigative records.
A car accident near Benton Township involving commercial vehicles and road construction equipment may require investigators to examine traffic control measures, vehicle movements, braking distances, and other circumstances surrounding the collision.
Obtaining a car accident report can provide important information about the responding authorities and their initial findings.
Individuals searching for updates about a car accident near me or a car accident near Benton Township should monitor official announcements as the investigation progresses.
An attorney can review the car accident report, evaluate available insurance coverage, and explain whether a personal injury or wrongful death claim may be appropriate. When a worker is killed on the job, families may also need guidance about workers’ compensation benefits and potential third-party liability claims.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article reflects preliminary information released by Michigan State Police and the Eaton County Road Commission. Additional findings may become available as investigators continue examining the October 6 collision.
- The deceased road worker was identified as a 24-year-old man from Charlotte, but his name was not provided in the supplied report.
- The pickup driver and a passenger sustained minor injuries and were transported to a hospital.
- Investigators do not currently believe drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash.
- The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not announced any potential charges.
Readers can review frequently asked questions in Michigan for general information about accident investigations, insurance claims, and injury-related legal matters.
Families affected by fatal workplace and roadway collisions can also explore accident resources in Michigan for additional information about available assistance.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Information is based on publicly available reports and may change as investigators release additional findings. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this content. Please review our disclaimer for further information.
If your family lost a loved one in a construction zone accident or you suffered injuries in a commercial vehicle collision, contact a Michigan personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your rights and potential legal options.