News Summary
A tragic accident in Oakland County at a construction site left one worker dead and two others critically injured. The incident occurred when a vehicle struck a road crew doing maintenance work. The loss has ignited calls for heightened safety awareness in construction zones, as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Oakland County, Michigan — Construction Zone Tragedy Claims Life of Road Worker and Injures Two Others
In a devastating incident on July 23, 2025, Oakland County suffered a fatal accident at a construction site along Orchard Lake Road in Farmington Hills. A road worker was struck and killed by a vehicle, and two other crew members sustained critical injuries. The event has prompted renewed calls for safety awareness in work zones across the region.
Details of the Incident
The accident occurred shortly before 11 a.m. during routine road maintenance. A three-person crew was working outside their vehicle in the northbound lanes of Orchard Lake Road near the intersection with 10 Mile Road. While they were conducting basin work, a southbound silver Ford Escape unexpectedly crossed the median and collided with the workers.
Emergency services arrived promptly, but unfortunately, Cedric Jones, a 43-year-old worker, was pronounced dead at the scene. Jones was identified as a father of six, and his death has deeply impacted his family and the local community. The other two crew members suffered life-threatening injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The driver of the Ford Escape was also hospitalized, though their condition has not been publicly disclosed.
Road Closure and Investigation
In response to the crash, authorities closed Orchard Lake Road between 10 Mile and 11 Mile roads to facilitate a thorough investigation. Michigan law enforcement officials, including the Farmington Hills Police Department, have launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the collision. The Traffic Safety Section is analyzing multiple factors, including road conditions, driver behavior, and safety measures in place at the work zone.
Official Responses and Safety Measures
Farmington Hills Police Chief John Piggott expressed condolences to Jones’s family and acknowledged the severity of the incident. He emphasized that authorities are reviewing whether safety protocols were properly followed at the time of the crash. The road crew was reportedly adhering to safety guidelines, including appropriate signage and emergency lighting, based on initial reports.
The Road Commission for Oakland County has issued statements underscoring the importance of work zone safety and is focusing on supporting the families affected by the tragedy. Dennis Kolar, managing director of the organization, highlighted the constant risks faced by road workers, even when safety measures are in place.
Legal and Safety Context
Michigan law imposes strict penalties for causing injury or death in a construction zone, including potential jail time and significant fines. This incident marks the second fatal work zone accident in Oakland County within two months, following a June 30 event in Brighton Township where a road worker was killed by an excavator bucket.
Community Response and Ongoing Investigation
Family members of Cedric Jones have expressed their grief and called for increased awareness to protect construction workers. Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to contact the Farmington Hills Police Department at 248-871-2610 as they continue to investigate the crash.
This tragic event underscores the dangers present in road work zones and highlights the necessity for vigilant safety practices to prevent future accidents. Local officials and safety advocates continue to stress the importance of driver caution and adherence to safety regulations in high-risk areas.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Construction Zone
- ClickOnDetroit
- Google Search: Safety in Construction Zones
- Free Press
- Google Scholar: Construction Worker Safety
- Fox 2 Detroit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction Safety
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