07/29/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 07/29/2026
On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 9:44 a.m., Boardman Township Fire Department, along with mutual aid, was dispatched to a serious motor vehicle collision at the intersection of U.S. 131 and Supply Road. Initial reports indicated a passenger vehicle trapped beneath a semi-trailer with unknown injuries.
Upon arrival, it was confirmed that one occupant was trapped inside the vehicle and that an extensive extrication would be required. Due to the complexity of the incident additional departments were requested to assist with rescue operations, and AeroMed was dispatched to provide air medical transport.
Firefighters worked together using specialized heavy rescue equipment, including high-pressure lifting airbags alongside the semi jacks, to safely raise the semi-trailer and gain access to the trapped occupant. A landing zone was established south of the intersection on U.S. 131 while rescue efforts continued. Additional assistance from 258-TIRE allowed crews to safely separate the vehicle from beneath the trailer. Rescue personnel then removed the vehicle’s roof and completed a dash roll, allowing the patient to be safely extricated. Once freed, the patient was immediately evaluated by Kalkaska EMS and AeroMed before being transported by helicopter for advanced medical care.
Traffic control and scene safety were maintained through the coordinated efforts of the Michigan State Police, Kalkaska County Sheriff’s Office, Kalkaska Village Police Department, fire personnel, and the 1430th Engineer Company of the United States Army based in Traverse City. The Kalkaska County Road Commission assisted with road barricades to ensure the safety of responders and the traveling public.
Following the rescue, emergency crews remained on scene for several hours while the Michigan State Police conducted their accident investigation. Boardman Towing and 258-TIRE worked alongside responders to remove the involved vehicles and clear debris from the roadway. U.S. 131 was reopened to traffic at approximately 2:00 p.m.
The crash remains under investigation by the Michigan State Police. No additional information regarding the incident or those involved will be released at this time.
The Boardman Township Fire Department would like to express its sincere gratitude to all of the agencies that responded and worked together throughout this incident. The professionalism, teamwork, and commitment displayed by every responder played a vital role in bringing this challenging rescue to a successful conclusion. We extend our appreciation to the Michigan State Police, Kalkaska County Sheriff’s Office, Kalkaska Village Police Department, Kalkaska County Road Commission, Kalkaska EMS, AeroMed, Kalkaska Fire Department, Garfield Township Fire Department, Whitewater Township Fire Department, the 1430th Engineer Company of the United States Army, 258-TIRE, Boardman Towing, Petersons Towing out of Cadillac and Kalkaska County Central Dispatch for their outstanding cooperation and dedication.
A very special thank you goes to Yankee Boy Restaurant for their incredible generosity in providing food and beverages to the emergency responders. Acts of kindness like these mean more than words can express and are a reminder of the strong support our first responders receive from this community.
The Boardman Township Fire Department remains committed to protecting the residents and visitors of our community.
