1 DEAD, 2 INJURED
IN SEMI CRASH ON I-94 IN EAU CLAIRE, WISCONSIN
The accident happened about 3 a.m. Wednesday on I-94
between Eau Claire and Osseo. The crash closed both westbound lanes of the
interstate at Foster, and a major reroute had been redirecting traffic for
several hours. The highway reopened around 12:30 p.m.
The Wisconsin State Patrol says preliminary
investigation suggests a westbound semi unit traveling in the right lane had
slowed down due to mechanical problems near Mile Marker 75. A second semi unit
traveling in the same lane rear ended the slowing semi, killing the driver of
that truck. A third semi unit traveling in the same lane clipped the rear of
the second semi and jack-knifed into the median.
The drivers of the first and third semi units were
transported to Mayo Health System in Eau Claire. Their names have not been
released pending notification of family.
There is no word on what caused the accident, or the
extent of the injuries.
WEAU reports a medical helicopter was called in. There
is also a warming bus on scene, to help keep emergency workers safe as first
responders are working in wind chill temperatures of 29 below.