November 7, 2019 – Town of Addison, WI – On 11/07 at 11:57 am the Washington County Sheriff’s Office received multiple 911 reports of an accident with injuries on I41 north of CTH K in the Town of Addison. The initial reports were that three semi-tractor trailers were involved in the crash and that one driver was trapped. Washington County Sheriff deputies were dispatched along with the St. Lawrence and Allenton Fire Departments.
Upon arrival, it was found that traffic was moving slowly in the area because of highway construction. There was a southbound tractor-trailer that was stopped in traffic and a straight truck stopped behind that truck.
A southbound tractor-trailer was quickly approaching the stopped traffic. The operator of the straight truck saw the southbound truck heading for him and attempted to pull onto the shoulder to avoid a collision.
He was unable to get out of the way completely and was struck from behind which caused the straight truck to roll over onto its side in the outside median.
The southbound truck then rear-ended the trailer of the second semi. The operator of the southbound truck that failed to stop was trapped inside the cab and needed to be extricated by the fire department. He was transported to Hartford Aurora Hospital. The operator of the front semi was also transported to Hartford. Neither injury is believed to be life-threatening. The operator of the straight truck received minor injuries and was released from the scene.
Interstate 41 has been closed since the accident however we are hopeful it will be opening shortly thanks to the work done by the recovery team. The Hartford Fire Department Hazardous Material Team, as well as the Wisconsin DNR, responded to assist with the cleanup effort because of fluids leaking from the trucks. We would like to extend a special thank you to our law enforcement partners at the Wisconsin State Patrol who supplied a significant amount of resources to Washington County to handle traffic control along the detour route.
The traffic accident remains under investigation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. It is unknown at this time why the driver failed to stop however alcohol and drugs do not appear to be a factor. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is asking people to please slowdown in construction zones and allow a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you so you can react safely. We take these types of violations seriously and will take enforcement action. It is truly remarkable that we did not suffer any loss of life today based on the circumstances.
Photos courtesy Ann Bauer
