Crash involving motorcycle slows traffic on U.S. 31 at U.S. 12

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- A motorcyclist and a vehicle collided at the U.S. 31, U.S. 12 intersection Monday afternoon, sending four people to the hospital.

The left lane of the northbound lanes of U.S. 31 and the eastbound lanes of U.S. 12 were blocked due to the crash.

Berrien County Deputies say a gray Mercury driven by 23-year-old Brian Elleott of South Bend didn't yield to the right of way of a Harley Davidson motorcycle traveling east on U.S. 12. 

The motorcycle was driven by 18-year-old Dakota Cowan of Galien. He and his passenger, 17-year-old Searra Inman of Niles, were seriously injured and taken to a nearby hospital and listed in critical condition.

There were four passengers in the Mercury at the time of the crash. 

Deputies say 35-year-old Aaron Elleott and 7-year-old Colin Elleot were taken to the hospital for treatment of serious injuries. 

Investigators do not believe drugs or alcohol were a factor.