Two people died and two people suffered series injuries in a multiple vehicle crash that happened Wednesday morning on Interstate 94 at Highway 20.
Two semis and three cars were involved in the crash. Both semi-tractor trailer drivers died at the scene. The names of those who died have not been released pending notification of family members.
The interstate continues to be shut down from Highway 20 to Highway G, both the northbound and southbound lanes. Law enforcement officials are still clearing the wreckage, which could take up to four more hours, said Christopher Schmaling, of the Racine County Sheriff’s Department.
“I can’t tell you in my 24 years of being on this job, this was the worst accidents I have ever seen,” he said.
A semi was traveling southbound at 11 a.m. on Interstate 94 near 50th Road when its tires blew. The semi crashed into the barrier, which pushed it into the northbound lane. A northbound semi hit the twisted barrier and the driver made an evasive move to avoid striking more cars. The semi flung to the right, went over the right lane barrier and got hung up dangling over the east frontage road.
Explosions were heard, and thick black smoke hung in the air.
“Our first responders came to the area and rendered aid,” Schmaling said. “Those two people suffered very serious injuries.”
Rachel Ramsey was driving to Milwaukee to pick up her children when she saw the smoke and flames as she was getting on the Interstate. She didn’t witness the crash but saw the aftermath.
“As soon as we got on at Highway 20 we saw the black smoke and the fire,” she said. “We thought it was a house fire at first, but then we noticed that it was cars and the semi. When we get close enough, two police cars pulled up… and we saw a guy hovering over his friend. That’s when we realized that something had exploded.”
Ramsey learned that about four cars were on fire. A person was lying on the ground and a friend of his stayed by his body waiting for him to be taken by Flight for Life to the hospital.
“As soon as we seen the flames, we knew this was horrible,” Ramsey said.
Here are several other media accounts:
Video shows aftermath of semi explosion on I-94
Video from photojournalist John Drilling shows an injured person on the ground and officers responding after a semi-truck apparently exploded on I-94 Wednesday afternoon. DETAILS: https://on.tmj4.com/2XprjJY
Posted by TMJ4 News on Wednesday, 19 June 2019
Here are several other media accounts:
Video shows aftermath of semi explosion on I-94
Video from photojournalist John Drilling shows an injured person on the ground and officers responding after a semi-truck apparently exploded on I-94 Wednesday afternoon. DETAILS: https://on.tmj4.com/2XprjJY
Posted by TMJ4 News on Wednesday, 19 June 2019
Medical Examiner on the scene of a fatal semi crash on I-94 in #Racine County. Freeway closed in both directions between 20 Northbound and Ryan Road southbound. #WISN12 pic.twitter.com/jMc1Z1ni3K
— Nick Bohr (@NickBohrWISN) June 19, 2019
Crews in #Racine County have now closed I-94 in both directions to investigate this serious injury semi crash and fire north of Hwy 20. The SB delay extends for at least 10 miles approaching the scene. Stay tuned on the 8’s for the latest @WBBMNewsradio #Wisconsin pic.twitter.com/jQ9HhwgrEz
— Traffic and Weather together on the 8s (@WBBM780Traffic) June 19, 2019
More information will be forthcoming.
UPDATE: Northbound lanes have been repaired. All lanes of I-94 in Racine County are now open.