Submitted by Sgt. Patrick Kraetke, Wisconsin State Patrol, Northwest Region Eau Claire Post
WILSON, WI – At 5:38 p.m. on Monday, October 23, 2023, a crash occurred on I-94 WB at I-94 Westbound at mile marker 28 in St. Croix County near Wilson, Wisconsin.
The crash involved two fatalities and six injuries. Wisconsin State Patrol Troopers and Inspectors, St. Croix County Deputies, and multiple fire and EMS units responded to a seven-vehicle crash. There were two confirmed fatalities at the scene. The scene is currently active and under investigation. The Highway 128 overpass at that location is closed until the possibility of structural damage can be assessed.
This is Update #1 released on Tuesday, October 24, 2023: On the evening of Monday, October 23, westbound traffic on I-94 at MP 25.5 had significantly slowed due to congestion caused by a construction zone lane closure at that location.
A 2013 Volvo semi unit traveling at highway speed failed to identify the slowed traffic ahead of it and struck a Ford F150 and a Freightliner semi unit. This initial impact caused a chain reaction crash involving four additional vehicles. Multiple vehicles burst into flames after the impact including the two semi units listed above. One of the semi units burned under the State Highway 128 overpass which necessitated closure of State Highway 128 until the bridge could be assessed for structural integrity.
The operator of the striking semi and the Ford F150 were fatally injured in the crash. All other vehicle occupants which suffered injuries were treated and released. Names of those fatally injured are being withheld until family notifications can be made. I-94 westbound was closed until the overpass could be inspected and repairs to the roadway were completed, but the interstate has reopened now. State Highway 128 at I-94 is opening currently.
Assisting agencies included St. Croix County Sheriff, Baldwin Fire Department, Baldwin EMS, Spring Valley Fire Department, and Woodville Police Department.
This is all the information that will be released at this time. Due to the complexity of the crash and the on-going investigation, another update may be forthcoming.
