BARAGA COUNTY, Mich. (WZMQ) – On the afternoon of June 7, 2026, a three-vehicle crash on M-28 near Pirkola Road in Covington Township resulted in one fatality, significant damage, and the temporary closure of the major roadway.
The Baraga County Sheriff’s Office responded to the incident at about 2:30 p.m. Upon arrival, deputies found that a semi-tractor and trailer had overturned across M-28 and was fully engulfed in flames after colliding with and breaking a power line. The driver of the semi-truck, 60-year-old Larry Bruce Mengsol of Mequon, Wisconsin, managed to escape the burning vehicle with only minor injuries. He moved to a safe location while emergency responders arrived.
The driver of a second vehicle involved in the collision, identified as 67-year-old Gary Allen Cronkright of Iron River, Michigan, was pronounced dead at the scene. A third vehicle, which was traveling behind the semi-tractor and trailer, was struck by flying debris from the crash. Although the vehicle was disabled, its occupants were unharmed and did not report any injuries.
M-28 was completely closed for about six hours following the crash to allow emergency responders and utility personnel to manage the aftermath and ensure safety. One lane was reopened temporarily while crews from WE Energies replaced the damaged utility pole and worked to restore power to the affected area. Both lanes of M-28 were fully reopened to traffic at about 11:30 p.m.
The crash remains under investigation.
