Driver dies in fiery crash after striking tree on I-69 in Thumb area, huffing of aerosolized chemicals believed to be a factor: sheriff

RILEY TOWNSHIP (WWJ) A person died in a fiery crash on I-69 in the Thumb area after striking a tree, the sheriff said.

In a press release; the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office said the St. Clair County Central Dispatch took multiple calls about an erratic driver on eastbound I-69 around 10:30 a.m on Friday (10/11). Callers reported a white Toyota Sienna minivan went from 25 miles per hour to 90 miles per hour on the freeway from Capac toward M-19, in Riley Township.

Witnesses told investigators the van veered off the right side of the road, west of M-19, where it travelled approximately 250 feet before striking a tree; the sheriff’s office said.

Drivers passing by tried to remove the driver from the vehicle—but it caught fire, before the driver could be removed. Flames fully engulfed the car by the time the fire department arrived, according to the sheriff’s office.

After crews extinguished the fire, the driver was pronounced dead. Investigators believe the huffing of aerosolized chemicals (nitrous oxide or dust-off spray) may be a factor in the crash.

“Due to the severity of the crash and fire, formal identification of the driver is being confirmed by the St. Clair County Medical Examiner,” the press release read.

The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau, Fire Investigation Unit and Accident Investigation are working together to determine the cause of the crash.