Road Commission Reports One Worker Dead, Two Others Seriously Injured in Farmington Hills Crash
(Crystal A. Proxmire, July 23, 2025)
Farmington Hills, MI – One person is dead and two others seriously injured after an SUV crashed into a crew of Oakland County Road Commission workers on Orchard Lake Road.
The Road Commission for Oakland County shared the following:
“The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC), this morning experienced a tragic work zone crash that resulted in the death of one employee and serious injuries to two other employees.
“The incident occurred at approximately 11:10 a.m. The RCOC crew was repairing a drainage basin in the northbound lanes of Orchard Lake Road just south of 11 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, when a southbound vehicle crossed the center median and struck the RCOC workers.
“We are extremely saddened by the loss of one on our family members, and the injury of two others,” stated RCOC Managing Director Dennis Kolar. “Right now, our top priority is supporting these employees’ families. We also are seeking to help our other staff, and we will have professionals on site tomorrow to assist anyone struggling with this situation.
“We are asking for privacy for the family of of late colleague and the two injured employees and their families as they navigate these challenging times,” Kolar said. The two injured employees remain hospitalized.
“This devastating event is a stark reminder of the importance of work zone safety,” Kolar added. “Despite our crew taking every precaution to secure the area, there are still risks every single day on the job. Today is a heartbreaking day for the families of our co-workers and for the entire RCOC family.”
“Kolar also thanked the Farmington Hills Police Department for its quick response and professional assistance at the scene. The Farmington Hills Police are continuing to investigate the incident.”
Farmington Hills Police are seeking witnesses or others with information. They sent a release stating:
“The Farmington Hills Police Department is investigating a fatal traffic crash involving an SUV and a Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) work crew that occurred Wednesday, July 23 at approximately 11:11 a.m. on Orchard Lake Road near Misty Pines Drive.
“The three-person RCOC crew was working outside of their vehicle near the median in the northbound lanes of Orchard Lake Road, when a silver Ford Escape traveling southbound drove across the median and struck all three crew members. One crew member died at the scene.
“Firefighter/paramedics from the Farmington Hills Fire Department responded and provided advanced life support care and transported the other two crew members to the hospital with serious life-threatening injuries. The driver of the SUV, the lone occupant of the vehicle, was also transported to the hospital.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased. We also extend our thoughts and prayers to the injured crew members and their families as they continue to receive medical attention, along with the entire Road Commission for Oakland County family affected by this tragic incident,” said Farmington Hills Police Chief John Piggott. “Our Traffic Safety Section is actively investigating the factors that contributed to the crash.”
“Orchard Lake Road will remain closed between 10 and 11 Mile Roads into the afternoon and early evening. We ask that you avoid this area as officers remain on scene conducting their investigation.
“The Police Department urges all drivers to be aware and take extra caution near construction crews, as their job can be extremely hazardous working near moving traffic.
“Anyone with information related to this traffic crash is asked to contact the Farmington Hills Police Department Command Desk at 248-871-2610.”
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