Alcona County, MI (May 9, 2025) — A Port Huron woman was injured Thursday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash involving a Budget Rental truck that overturned and caught fire on M-72 east of Stockton Road, according to the Alcona County Sheriff’s Office.
Incident Details: The crash occurred as both vehicles, the Volkswagen Jetta driven by 53-year-old Leihla Arnett and the box truck driven by 47-year-old Giorgi Mustelier of Wyoming, Michigan, traveled westbound on M-72. As Arnett attempted to make a left-hand turn, her vehicle was rear-ended by the rental truck.
The impact caused Mustelier to lose control, resulting in the truck flipping onto its side and catching fire. Mustelier and his passengers were able to escape the burning vehicle before first responders arrived.
Fire crews from Lincoln, Barton City, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources worked to extinguish the truck fire, which had spread to nearby grass.
Arnett was transported to MyMichigan Medical Center in Alpena with non-life-threatening injuries, while Mustelier and his passengers were not injured.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: The Alcona County Sheriff’s Office cited Giorgi Mustelier for causing the crash, indicating a determination of fault. Rear-end collisions are frequently attributed to following too closely, distraction, or failure to maintain control, which are common causes of preventable roadway incidents.
Pending the outcome of the investigations, Arnett may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim for compensation to cover medical bills, physical therapy, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering.
Source: ABC12 News