3 injured, including 2 Southfield firefighters, when firetruck is hit by a car on the Lodge Freeway

SOUTHFIELD (WWJ) -- Authorities say two Southfield firefighters are OK after their firetruck was involved in a crash over the weekend.

The Southfield Fire Chief tells WWJ Newsradio 950 the firetruck was blocking traffic for a tow truck at the scene of a crash on the southbound Lodge Freeway near 8 Mile Rd., at around 2:30 a.m. Sunday, when the truck was rear-ended by a car.

The two firefighters were inside the truck suffered only minor injuries, but the driver of the car involved as more seriously hurt.

The chief says the firefighters rendered aid to the injured driver at the scene, before all three people were taken to a hospital.

The firefighters were treated and released from the hospital. There is no update on the condition of the driver, but the chief said the driver's injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing.

In a message posted to X on Monday, Michigan State Police First Lt. Mike Shaw mentioned this incident as he reminded drivers about the state's Move Over Law.

When approaching an emergency vehicle stopped on the side of the freeway, the law requires all lanes to slow to 10 mph below the speed limit and the lane closest to the emergency vehicle to move over if it's safe to do so.

Those who violate the law are subject to two points on their driver’s license and a fine of $400.

Drivers face felony charges and enhanced penalties of up to 15 years in prison and/or a $7,500 fine if the violation causes death to a police officer, firefighter, or other emergency response personnel.

The law applies to police, fire, ambulance, maintenance or utility vehicles, including tow trucks and garbage trucks. While the law doesn't cover private vehicles, Shaw said people do recommended trying to move over if you see anyone stopped on the shoulder, changing a tire, for example.

"So, we're just asking people to drive Michigan safely," Shaw said. "Don't drive impaired, and if you see somebody on the side of the road, or an emergency vehicle, make sure you move over one lane. Slow down, get through that area safely."