Novi, Michigan, September 23, 2025
News Summary
A devastating accident on I-96 near Novi, Michigan, resulted in the deaths of two drivers after one vehicle broke down and was struck by another. The incident occurred early on the morning of September 23, blocking the freeway for approximately seven hours. Weather conditions may have played a role as a dense fog advisory was in effect at the time, reducing visibility. The investigation into the crash is ongoing as traffic impacts lingered through the morning commute.
Novi, Michigan – A tragic crash on I-96 early September 23, 2025, has resulted in the deaths of two drivers and blocked the freeway for approximately seven hours. The collision occurred around 2 a.m. on eastbound I-96 near Beck Road when Neena Wang, 30, from California, was driving an Acura that had stopped due to mechanical issues.
Sylvette Campbell, 57, from Westland, was driving a Kia Soul and crashed into Wang’s stationary vehicle. The impact caused both vehicles to burst into flames, and neither driver was able to escape. Emergency responders arrived on the scene at 2:08 a.m. but found both cars engulfed in flames, and both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. Fortunately, no passengers were present in either vehicle.
The eastbound lanes of I-96 were immediately shut down at Beck Road / Exit 160 following the crash, and traffic was rerouted to allow vehicles to re-enter I-96 at Novi Road / Exit 162. The crash site was cleared and the highway reopened shortly before 9 a.m. A second collision occurred around 7:15 a.m. on the eastbound freeway near Milford Road, exacerbating the traffic situation.
At the time of the accident, Oakland County was under a dense fog advisory from 3:40 a.m. to 9 a.m., with visibility reduced to a quarter-mile in some areas. This severe weather condition may have contributed to the accidents. Traffic reporter Ali Hoxie suggested several alternative routes for drivers to avoid the delays caused by the crash.
The Novi Police Department is currently conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision and the fatalities involved.
Traffic Impact
The closure of the eastbound lanes of I-96 caused significant traffic disruptions for several hours. After the crash, drivers had to use alternate routes until the highway reopened, impacting the morning commute for many in the area.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the incident, Oakland County was experiencing adverse weather, including a dense fog advisory. This could have impacted visibility and contributed to the accidents on the interstate.
Background Information
Road safety is a crucial concern as mechanical failures and adverse weather conditions can lead to tragic incidents, particularly on busy highways like I-96. Traffic regulations and automotive checks are essential for preventing such occurrences. This incident highlights the importance of drivers being aware of their vehicles’ condition and the surrounding weather as they travel.
FAQ
What caused the crash on I-96?
The crash occurred when Neena Wang’s vehicle, which had stopped due to mechanical issues, was hit by Sylvette Campbell’s car. Both vehicles burst into flames upon impact, and neither driver was able to escape.
How long was I-96 closed after the crash?
I-96 was closed for approximately seven hours, from the time of the crash until shortly before 9 a.m.
Were there any passengers in the vehicles?
No passengers were present in either vehicle at the time of the crash.
What weather conditions were present at the time of the crash?
Oakland County was under a dense fog advisory, with visibility down to a quarter-mile in some areas at the time of the crash.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Crash Date and Time | September 23, 2025, around 2 a.m. |
| Location | I-96 near Beck Road, Novi, Michigan |
| Casualties | Two fatalities (Neena Wang, Sylvette Campbell) |
| Vehicle Types | Acura (Wang) and Kia Soul (Campbell) |
| Highway Closure Duration | Approximately seven hours |
| Weather Advisory | Dense fog advisory with visibility issues |
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Additional Resources
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Novi, Michigan
- WXYZ
- Google Search: Novi Michigan
- Fox 2 Detroit
- Google Scholar: Novi Michigan traffic safety
- Hometown Life
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Novi Michigan
- Patch
- Google News: Novi Michigan I-96 crash
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.
