Story highlights The Menz family minivan collides with semi-truck on I-75 in Michigan

Semi drags vehicle, with four passengers inside, for 16 miles in snowstorm

"I just want to get off the back of this thing," Pamela Menz says on 911 tape

(CNN) A Michigan family is safe after the minivan they were in became lodged underneath a semi-trailer truck and dragged for 16 miles through a snowstorm.

"I just want to get off the back of this thing," Pamela Menz can be heard telling a 911 dispatcher.

The driver of the van told dispatchers their vehicle rear-ended the semi on I-75 due to poor visibility.

Pamela and Matthew Menz, along with their adult children Justin and Jennifer, were traveling northbound along Interstate 75 early Wednesday morning, when their 2001 Toyota Sienna plowed into the back of the semi.

"The truck driver had no idea they were back there," Roscommon County Undersheriff Ed Stern said.

Matthew Menz, who is a truck driver himself, told the 911 dispatcher the truck was in the middle of the road, "going about 2 miles an hour," without flashing hazard lights.

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