Update: Barron County Sheriff Fitzgerald Press Release
On Sunday, May 7, 2017, at 5:58 p.m., the Barron County Sheriff’s Department received a call of a three car head-on crash on Hwy 8 west of Barron. Deputies from the Barron County Sheriff’s Department, the Wisconsin DNR, Gold Cross Ambulance, Almena and Barron Fire Departments, Life Link Helicopter and the Turtle Lake First Responders responded to the scene.
Initial investigation shows a Chevy Impala travelling west on Hwy 8 driven by Thomas Elich, 47 of Hudson, crossed the center line and struck a Ford Focus traveling east on Hwy 8 driven by Monica Waite, 21 of Cumberland, who’s vehicle was then struck by a Toyota Prius traveling east driven by a Eugene Koci, 78, and his passenger Mary Ann Koci, 76 both of Eau Claire.
Waite and the Koci’s were all transported to Barron Hospital for non life threatening injuries and Elich was treated at the scene. Elich was then arrested for Possession of Synthetic THC & Paraphernalia & Injury by Intoxicated Use of Vehicle and is currently being held in the Barron County Jail.
The Barron County Sheriff’s Department and the Wisconsin State Patrol are reconstructing the accident scene. Hwy 8 was closed for about 2 1⁄2 hours.
Update: 9:17pm -- According to the WisDOT, the crash has been cleared.
Update: 7:11pm -- Barron County Sheriff has confirmed that 3 vehicles were involved. According to Sheriff Fitzgerald: "Hwy 8 between Barron and Poskin is closed for a 3 car accident. Serious accident but no fatalities. Hwy 8 will be closed for 2 hours."
Update: 6:50pm -- Unconfirmed sources tell DrydenWire.com that the incident involves 3 vehicles.
(WisDOT) Law enforcement reports all eastbound and westbound lanes of US 8 at 11th 1/2 ST are closed due to a traffic incident. Motorists are advised to use an alternate route.
- Incident Type: Crash
- On Highway: US 8 EB/WB
- At Location: 11TH 1/2 ST
- Lanes Affected: All Lanes Blocked (Both Directions)
- Date and Time Incident Occurred: 05/07/2017 5:58 PM
- Estimated Duration: Over 2 Hours
DrydenWire.com will update this post when more information is available.
Last Update: May 08, 2017 3:22 pm CDT
