News Summary
A tragic accident at a construction zone on Orchard Lake Road has resulted in the death of a local road worker and serious injuries to two others. The incident occurred during routine maintenance when a driver struck a three-person crew. The deceased worker has been identified as a father of six, prompting calls for increased awareness about construction zone safety. Authorities are investigating the crash and urging drivers to be more cautious in work zones to prevent such incidents.
Farmington Hills
An incident involving a fatal accident at a construction zone on Orchard Lake Road has resulted in the death of a local road worker and injuries to two others, including the driver involved. The event occurred on July 23, 2025, around 11 a.m., during routine road maintenance activities.
Details of the Accident
According to police reports, a three-person crew was working outside their vehicle in the northbound lanes of Orchard Lake Road, performing basin work. During this operation, a silver Ford Escape traveling southbound unexpectedly crossed the median and struck the crew members. The crash was severe enough to result in the death of one worker and life-threatening injuries to two others.
The worker who was killed has been identified as Cedric Jones, a 43-year-old man who was a father of six children. His family and church representatives have confirmed his identity. Jones died instantly at the scene of the crash, prompting immediate emergency response efforts.
The two injured crew members were transported to a nearby hospital; their injuries are reported to be life-threatening. The driver of the Ford Escape was also hospitalized following the crash, but their current condition has not been publicly disclosed. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the driver was impaired or if other factors contributed to the accident.
Impact on Traffic and Investigation
As a result of the incident, Orchard Lake Road was closed between 10 Mile and 11 Mile roads to facilitate the investigation into the crash. The closure was expected to cause significant traffic delays in the area, as authorities worked to process the scene and gather evidence.
Farmington Hills Police Chief John Piggott has expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and the wounded workers. He highlighted the importance of ongoing investigations, noting that the Traffic Safety Section is examining the circumstances of the crash, including potential contributing factors such as driver behavior and road conditions. The Chief also urged drivers to exercise greater caution in work zones to prevent similar tragedies.
Work Zone Safety and Legal Context
The Oakland County Road Commission has emphasized its commitment to supporting the families affected by the incident and underscored the importance of safety protocols in construction areas. Dennis Kolar, the managing director of the Road Commission, stressed the inherent risks faced by road workers daily, even when safety measures like proper signage and emergency lights are in place.
Michigan law provides strict penalties for causing injury or death in a work zone, including possible jail time and fines. Law enforcement confirms that, at the time of the crash, the crew had been adhering to all safety protocols set for work zone operations.
Previous Incidents and Community Response
This latest fatality follows another work zone incident in Michigan, which occurred on June 30, 2025, in Brighton Township. That incident involved a road worker who was killed by an excavator bucket, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in construction zones across the state.
Family members of Cedric Jones have shared their grief publicly and are calling for increased awareness about the dangers faced by construction workers. They urge all drivers to be more cautious and attentive around work zones to prevent future tragedies.
Authorities’ Appeal for Information
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact the Farmington Hills Police Department. The department has requested assistance from the public in understanding the circumstances of the accident and ensuring accountability.
Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to reach out to police at 248-871-2610.
Summary
The tragic accident on Orchard Lake Road underscores persistent safety challenges in construction zones, where road workers continue to face significant risks despite precautions. As investigations proceed, local officials and agencies remain committed to improving work zone safety measures and preventing similar incidents in the future.
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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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