Deadly Crash in Sterling Heights Leaves Two Dead at 15 Mile and Schoenherr, Prompting Community Concerns Over Road Safety
STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. — A devastating car crash at the busy intersection of 15 Mile and Schoenherr Roads in Sterling Heights has left at least two individuals dead and several others injured, according to reports from local authorities. The fatal collision occurred during the early afternoon hours on Saturday, April 12, 2025, and has since sparked widespread concern over traffic safety in one of the city’s most heavily traveled corridors.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene shortly after 2:30 p.m. following multiple 911 calls reporting a severe crash involving at least two vehicles. Upon arrival, Sterling Heights police and fire officials encountered a chaotic scene: wreckage scattered across multiple lanes, with debris stretching well into the intersection. Several individuals were trapped inside their vehicles, requiring extrication by first responders using hydraulic rescue tools.
Despite life-saving efforts at the scene, two people were pronounced dead. Their identities have not yet been released pending notification of next of kin. Authorities have confirmed that both victims were adults, and one of the vehicles involved reportedly ran a red light, though this remains under active investigation.
Several other individuals sustained injuries, some described as critical, and were transported to nearby medical facilities, including Beaumont Hospital in Troy and Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital. Police have yet to confirm how many people were involved in total, but they noted that both drivers and passengers from multiple vehicles were affected.
Traffic in the area was immediately shut down for several hours as accident reconstruction specialists worked to determine the cause of the collision. The intersection remained closed into the evening, with drivers being redirected as authorities cleared the scene and gathered evidence.
Community Concerns Over Intersection Safety
The intersection of 15 Mile and Schoenherr has long been considered a high-risk traffic area by residents and local officials, due to heavy congestion, frequent speeding, and limited visibility during certain hours of the day.
“This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a serious crash at this spot,” said Linda Kowalski, a nearby resident. “It’s heartbreaking that people had to die. We need more enforcement and maybe better traffic signals before this happens again.”
In response to the crash, the Sterling Heights Police Department has pledged to increase patrols and review traffic data from the intersection. The city’s Department of Public Works will also be conducting a traffic flow study in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to determine if additional safety measures, such as red-light cameras, improved signage, or redesigned traffic patterns, are necessary.
Investigation Ongoing
At this time, the cause of the crash remains under investigation. Authorities have not stated whether alcohol, drugs, distracted driving, or excessive speed were contributing factors. Witnesses at the scene are being interviewed, and surveillance footage from nearby businesses is being reviewed to piece together the events leading up to the collision.
“We’re working carefully to determine exactly what happened,” said Lt. Mark Reilly of the Sterling Heights Traffic Division. “Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased and those injured. We ask that anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage to come forward.”
Authorities are expected to release further updates as soon as more details are confirmed.
If you have any information related to the crash or may have witnessed the incident, please contact the Sterling Heights Police Department at (586) 446-2800.
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