Editor's note: this story has an update which can be found here.
POLK COUNTY -- On Sunday, July 23, 2023, a serious two-vehicle crash occurred on US Highway 8 at Pinewood Road in Polk County, near Balsam Lake. The incident, which took place at approximately 3:32p, resulted in one person being injured and required the assistance of multiple emergency agencies, according to the Wisconsin State Patrol.
Upon receiving the distress call, the Wisconsin State Patrol swiftly responded to the scene, followed by the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Balsam Lake Fire Department, Apple River Fire Department, and St. Croix Falls EMS. First responders were met with a challenging situation as they found one of the drivers trapped inside their vehicle, necessitating the use of the Jaws of Life to extricate them safely.
For the safety of all motorists and to facilitate the emergency response, both the east and westbound lanes of US Highway 8 were temporarily shut down. Traffic was diverted while the emergency teams worked diligently to free the trapped individual and provide immediate medical assistance.
Following the successful extraction, the injured driver was immediately airlifted to a local hospital due to the severity of their injuries, which were described as life-threatening. The prompt and coordinated efforts of the emergency personnel were crucial in ensuring the victim received swift medical attention.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Wisconsin State Patrol. Details regarding the vehicles involved and the occupants are yet to be released.
Last Update: Jul 24, 2023 3:05 pm CDT
