Three-Car Crash in Commerce Township Claims Life

Commerce Township, MI, September 9, 2025

News Summary

A tragic three-car crash in Commerce Township, Michigan, resulted in the death of 30-year-old Matthew John Szakal. The accident happened at the intersection of Pontiac Trail and Martin Parkway when a Lexus lost control, striking Szakal’s vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene, while the Lexus driver sustained serious injuries and is in custody. Investigations suggest alcohol and speed may have contributed to the crash, prompting local officials to emphasize safe driving practices.

Commerce Township, MI – Tragic Three-Car Crash Claims Life of 30-Year-Old Man

On Friday evening at approximately 7:40 p.m., a three-car crash in Commerce Township, Michigan, resulted in the death of 30-year-old Matthew John Szakal. The incident occurred at the intersection of Pontiac Trail and Martin Parkway when Szakal was driving a 2017 Chevrolet Trax.

The crash was triggered by a 2021 Lexus RC, driven by a 51-year-old man from Sterling Heights, who lost control while traveling north on M-5. Reports indicate that the Lexus veered off the road, traveling several hundred feet through tall grass before re-entering the roadway. Upon re-entering, the Lexus jumped the curb of a roundabout and collided with Szakal’s vehicle.

The force of the impact sent Szakal’s Chevrolet Trax crashing into a third vehicle, a 2021 Honda CR-V operated by a 64-year-old woman from Wixom. Tragically, Szakal was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Honda CR-V sustained minor injuries but was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. Both Szakal and the Honda driver had their seatbelts fastened, whereas it remains uncertain whether the Lexus driver was secured.

The driver of the Lexus suffered serious injuries and is currently in custody. Investigators suspect that alcohol and excessive speed may have played significant roles in causing the crash. A search warrant has been issued to test the Lexus driver’s blood for intoxicants, as the investigation continues.

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit is currently handling the investigation. As of now, no charges have been filed against the Lexus driver, and authorities are working diligently to gather evidence and determine the exact circumstances leading to this tragic event.

The crash serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers associated with impaired and reckless driving. Local officials urge drivers to remain vigilant and responsible behind the wheel to help prevent similar accidents in the future.

Background Information

Traffic accidents remain a significant concern across highways and local roads, contributing to numerous injuries and fatalities each year. Alcohol-related crashes often result in severe outcomes, prompting law enforcement and safety advocates to continuously stress the importance of designated drivers and safe driving practices. The scene of this latest tragedy highlights the potential consequences of drunk driving, as well as the necessity for ongoing public safety campaigns.

As investigations unfold, further information regarding the condition and responsibilities of the involved drivers will be revealed. Community members and officials alike await the findings, hoping that such incidents can be reduced through education and enforcement of traffic laws.

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Additional Resources

• Fox 2 Detroit
• Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
• CBS News
• Google Search: Commerce Township car crash
• Click On Detroit
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic accidents
• Patch
• Google News: Oakland County crash
• MLive

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