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When a southbound semi tractor-trailer hit a construction barrier on I-41/94 in Racine County on Wednesday morning, it started a chain reaction that ultimately led to the tractor-trailer driver’s death, the death of another semi truck driver and injuries to two passengers in vehicles traveling northbound.
In a news conference yesterday afternoon, Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling said this is the worst accident he has ever been a part of in 24 years on the job.
Schmaling said 911 calls started coming in at about 11 a.m., and callers talked about a crash, explosions and a fire. The investigation of the crash revealed the fire and explosions were the result of a series of events that started with the southbound driver changing lanes and hitting a construction barrier.
The driver over-corrected after hitting the barrier and the truck proceeded to crash into the median wall, pushing it into the northbound side of I-94. This led to three vehicles on the northbound side either hitting each other or the barriers.
As this was happening, a semi tractor-trailer approached the vehicles on the northbound side and the driver of that vehicle chose to swerve to avoid those vehicles. His truck went off the overpass and burst into flames. The explosions that were reported appeared to be the tires, which heated up from the fire.
Schmaling said this driver is a hero for turning away and risking his life to prevent others from getting hurt.
The stretch of interstate where the crash occurred, Highway 20 to Highway G, was shut down in both directions after the wreck as authorities investigated. Frontage Road East and West were also closed.
The southbound lanes opened just before 9 p.m. last night, approximately 10 hours after the accident happened. The northbound lanes were still closed last night so crews could attempt to repair fire damage to pavement.
If you have any information that would be helpful to investigators, call 262-886-2300. You can provide information anonymously if you would like.
Have you been injured or lost a loved one in a car crash caused by another’s carelessness?
You could be owed financial compensation for damages, such as the cost of treating your injuries, lost wages, funeral expenses, and pain and suffering. The legal process is complicated, and you could benefit from skilled legal representation.
The Milwaukee truck accident lawyers at our firm are prepared to guide you through every part of the legal process. We have helped numerous car accident victims obtain the compensation they rightfully deserve and are ready to put our experience and track record to work for you.
Your legal consultation comes at no cost to you. If you want to take legal action, we will not charge attorney fees unless you receive fair compensation.
Contact PKSD today to discuss your accident and possible legal avenues for financial recovery. Ph: 414-333-3333.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Jeffery A. Pitman, who has more than 28 years of legal experience and handled thousands of personal injury cases while obtaining millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa and New Mexico.
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