Three vehicles involved in July 4 crash

A three-vehicle crash closed down a stretch of U.S.-23 north of Rogers City July 4. At approximately 2 p.m. Presque Isle Central Dispatch received the call reporting a multiple-vehicle crash including a rollover. According to the Presque Isle County Sheriff’s Department (PISH), three vehicles were involved with two people transported to the hospital by ambulance.

The accident is still under investigation, but PISH does not believe alcohol was a factor. A release from PISH stated “it is believed a north-bound vehicle rear-ended another north-bound vehicle causing the first vehicle to lose control, roll over and strike a third, south-bound vehicle.”

According to PISH, the north-bound vehicle was operated by Kenneth Darragh, 85, of Rogers City. The Darragh vehicle struck a vehicle driven by Thomas Barrie, 67, of Hillman, as he was attempting to reenter the roadway from the north-bound shoulder. The Darragh vehicle then overturned and entered the south-bound lane where it was struck by a third vehicle operated by John Cesario, 53, of Elk Rapids. Darragh and Cesario were both transported to Mid-Michigan Medical Center in Alpena for treatment of their injuries.

PISH was assisted at the scene by Rogers City Ambulance, Rogers City Area Fire and First Responders as well as the Presque Isle County Road Commission. U.S.-23 was shut down for a few hours while the accident was investigated.

The accident occurred on U.S.-23 next to a scenic beach area populated by many taking advantage of Lake Huron as temperatures heated up. Those already enjoying the beach were allowed to stay, but others were turned away as the road was closed most of the afternoon.

.