Man Killed In Fiery Accident While Attempting To Reattach Boat To Trailer Hitch
MACOMB COUNTY (WWJ) - The Macomb County Sheriff's Department is investigating a fatal accident that happened Wednesday afternoon along Metro Parkway, not far from Lake St Clair Metropark.
According to police, a 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer towing a boat was heading eastbound on Metropolitan Parkway when the trailer apparently became disconnected from the vehicle and both came to a stop in the left lane. The driver, 29-year-old William Rainey III, and his wife exited the vehicle to re-attach the trailer.
As the couple was fixing their vehicle, a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox traveling eastbound Metropolitan Parkway was unable to stop in time and crashed into the rear of the trailer. The collision caused the boat to dislodge from the trailer -- pinning Rainey underneath. The Equinox caught fire after the collision.
Rainey was transported to McLaren Macomb Hospital in Mt. Clemens where he was pronounced dead. His wife was also taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.
The driver of the Equinox, a 21-year-old Harrison Township man, was able to escape his vehicle. He was transported to a local hospital with what were described as non-life threatening injuries.
Police say alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation.
Anyone who might have witnessed the accident is urged to contact the Macomb County Sheriff's Office at 586-307-9412.
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