Novi, Michigan, September 23, 2025
News Summary
A tragic accident on eastbound I-96 in Novi resulted in the deaths of two drivers, Neena Wang and Sylvette Campbell. The crash happened around 2 a.m. when one vehicle experienced mechanical failure and was rear-ended by another vehicle, causing both cars to catch fire. The incident severely disrupted traffic during the morning commute, leading to lane closures for nearly six hours. Authorities emphasize the importance of safe driving in foggy conditions, as visibility was reduced during the time of the accident.
Novi, Michigan
Two people are dead following a crash on eastbound I-96 in Novi that occurred around 2 a.m. on a Tuesday morning. The accident involved two vehicles traveling eastbound, one of which experienced a mechanical issue and stopped in a lane of travel. The second vehicle rear-ended the disabled car, causing both vehicles to catch fire as a result of the collision. The drivers, identified as Neena Wang, 30, of California, and Sylvette Campbell, 57, of Westland, were unable to escape the wreckage and died at the scene.
The crash led to significant traffic disruptions, forcing police to close the eastbound lanes of I-96 at Beck Road. During the morning commute, drivers were redirected off the freeway, and many experienced delays of 45 minutes or more. The freeway remained closed for nearly six hours, reopening shortly before 9 a.m. in the aftermath of the accident.
In addition to the fatal crash, another accident occurred around 7:15 a.m. on eastbound I-96, ahead of the initial crash. At the time, Oakland County was under a dense fog advisory from 3:40 a.m. to 9 a.m., with visibility in some areas of Southeast Michigan reduced to a quarter-mile, a factor that may have contributed to the incidents. The Michigan State Police had advised drivers to slow down and increase following distances in response to both the fog and crash conditions.
Clean-up efforts were extensive due to the debris and fuel from the crash, as both vehicles sustained severe fire damage. Motorists were later allowed to re-enter eastbound I-96 at Novi Road following the freeway’s reopening after the extensive cleanup operations.
Overview of the Incident
- Location: Eastbound I-96, Novi, Michigan
- Time of Accident: Around 2 a.m. on Tuesday
- Casualties: Two dead (Neena Wang, 30; Sylvette Campbell, 57)
- Cause of Collision: Mechanical failure leading to a rear-end collision
- Traffic Impact: Closed eastbound lanes; significant morning traffic disruptions
- Reopening Time: Shortly before 9 a.m.
Background Information
The crash is a stark reminder of the dangers of driving under poor visibility conditions, particularly in fog. The Michigan State Police highlight the importance of being cautious during such conditions. This tragic incident underscores the vital need for motorists to maintain safe following distances and exercise care while driving, especially in adverse weather conditions like fog.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the crash on eastbound I-96?
Two people are dead following a crash on eastbound I-96 in Novi. The accident occurred around 2 a.m. on a Tuesday morning.
Who were the victims of the crash?
The drivers, identified as Neena Wang, 30, of California, and Sylvette Campbell, 57, of Westland, were unable to escape the wreckage and died at the scene.
What caused the crash?
The crash involved two vehicles traveling eastbound. One vehicle experienced a mechanical issue and stopped in a lane of travel. The second vehicle rear-ended the disabled car.
What was the traffic impact of the crash?
The accident scene caused significant traffic backups during the morning commute. Drivers on eastbound I-96 were forced off the freeway at Beck Road. Motorists were advised to seek alternate routes due to delays of 45 minutes or more.
When did the freeway reopen?
The freeway was closed for nearly six hours, reopening shortly before 9 a.m.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Fatal Crash |
| Location | Eastbound I-96, Novi, Michigan |
| Time of Incident | 2 a.m., Tuesday |
| Victims | Neena Wang, 30; Sylvette Campbell, 57 |
| Cause | Mechanical failure leading to a rear-end collision |
| Traffic Effects | Closure of eastbound lanes at Beck Road; major delays |
| Reopening | Shortly before 9 a.m. |
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Crash on I-96 in Novi Snarls Oakland County Traffic for Hours
- Wikipedia: Novi, Michigan
- WXYZ: 2 Dead After Freeway Crash on I-96 in Novi
- Google Search: I-96 Novi Michigan crash
- Fox 2 Detroit: Fiery Crash Closes I-96 Beck
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Accident
- Hometown Life: 2 Dead in Crash on I-96 Near Beck Road
- Google News: Novi Michigan Traffic Accident
- Detroit News: 2 Killed in Fiery Crash on I-96 Novi
- Google Scholar: Traffic Accidents
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
