The Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single motorcycle crash on I-41 southbound, north of Holy Hill Road in Richfield on Monday, August 17. Witnesses reported that the motorcycle had merged onto I-41 from Highway 45, when the driver lost control after rapidly accelerating. An off duty EMT/Firefighter from the Village of Jackson Fire Department was on scene and immediately began providing medical assistance. The Richfield Fire Department and Flight for Life also responded. Southbound traffic was shut down at Pioneer Road on both I 41 and Highway 45. Despite lifesaving efforts, the driver, a 57 year old man, was pronounced dead at the scene. This crash remains under investigation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
While deputies were investigating the initial incident, a secondary multi vehicle crash occurred Monday morning, at 6:58 a.m. on I-41 south of Scenic Drive in Polk. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received multiple reports that a semi truck had struck several vehicles that were slowing or stopped in traffic. One vehicle became vertically pinned between two semi trucks. The Slinger Fire Department and Lifestar Ambulance were dispatched. Flight for Life was again requested, along with heavy duty tow trucks and the Milwaukee Fire Department Heavy Urban Rescue Team, to stabilize vehicles and assist with safe extrication.
Four adults were transported by ambulance, and an infant was transported by Flight for Life to Children’s Hospital. All sustained potentially serious injuries. A sixth patient self transported to a hospital for treatment. The secondary crash involved two semi trucks and four passenger vehicles. This incident remains under joint investigation by the Wisconsin State Patrol and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
All southbound lanes of I-41 remain closed at Highway K, with traffic diverted to Highway 175. Investigators anticipate the closure will remain in place until approximately 2:30 p.m. to accommodate scene investigation and cleanup.
Two major incidents occurring within a short time during morning rush hours placed significant strain on available emergency resources and required coordinated assistance from multiple public safety agencies. Mutual aid agencies included the Germantown and Slinger Police Departments, Washington County Highway Shop, the Washington County Medical Examiner’s Office, the Hartford, Allenton, Jackson, and Germantown Fire Departments. Washington County is fortunate to have strong public safety partnerships that allow for effective and efficient multijurisdictional emergency response.
Photo by the Washington County Sheriff's Office.
