OUTAGAMIE COUNTY, WI — Two people died and nine others were left injured after multiple crashes Sunday afternoon on Interstate 41 near northeast Appleton, reports TMJ4.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation said the events unfolded with a single-vehicle rollover crash on the northbound lanes at mile marker 144, past North Ballard Road. It was first reported at 3:30 p.m.
Officials did not say what led up to that initial wreck, but the driver, who was left trapped, suffered serious injuries and had to be extricated. That person was later taken into custody for having been under the influence of a controlled substance while driving.
While northbound traffic was slowing for the accident, a pregnant woman driving a pickup truck veered into the median ditch to avoid a crash. As a result, the pickup overturned and ejected a male passenger before landing back on its wheel and hitting a trailer.
First responders rushed the pregnant driver by airlift to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. Her passenger, who was seriously injured, was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.
During the two and a half hours I-41 was blocked for the helicopter response, one five-vehicle wreck and multiple other minor crashes occurred. One male driver died from his injuries at the scene and multiple others were taken to a hospital with undisclosed injuries.
Fox Valley Metro Police Department and Wisconsin State Patrol are expected to conduct separate investigations.
Our dedicated team of Appleton car accident attorneys at Lindner Law, LLC understands how to help families like yours claim the compensation they deserve after a traumatic event. If you or a loved one has been injured in a recent crash caused by a reckless driver, we would like to learn about your case and work with you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
