2 dead after motorist crashes at I-94 construction zone

Detroit — A motorist and construction worker were killed late Sunday on Interstate 94 when the driver crashed into a work site in a lane closed to traffic, according to the Michigan State Police.

Motorist Marvin Harris of Detroit was driving eastbound in a closed construction lane near West Grand Boulevard around 9:50 p.m. when he crashed his 1999 red Chevrolet into two construction workers and their parked vehicle, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Worker Rafael Castillo-Saavedra of Detroit also died at the scene, police said. The second construction worker, who has not been identified by police, was taken to a local hospital where he remained in critical condition.

The workers were performing “crack sealing” maintenance work on the expressway when they were hit, Cross said. The work involves spraying a rubberized material into cracks to maintain the quality of the road surface and to seal the concrete against moisture.

Late-night and weekend work typically is done to avoid road closures during high traffic times, Cross said.

The Michigan Laborers’ District Council said the accident was a reminder of construction work site dangers.

“On behalf of the 12,000 members of the Michigan Laborers, we extend our condolences to the family, friends, and co-workers of Rafael,” said Geno Alessandrini, Business Manager of the Michigan Laborers’ District Council.

“This tragic event is another reminder of how dangerous construction work is on a daily basis. Safety at the work site is of the utmost importance and we can all do our part to make sure workers who perform critical work in these dangerous situations make it home to their families.”

State troopers are investigating the incident, assisted by the Detroit Fire Department, EMS and the Detroit Police Department.

Potential witnesses are asked to contact the state police Metro Post at (248) 584-5740.

HFournier@detroitnews.com

(313) 223-4616

@HollyPFournier