Parts of I-94 eastbound and westbound lanes are closed due to multiple-vehicle crashes, according to information from the Wisconsin State Patrol.
The State Patrol says that this morning a weather event came through the area dropping freezing rain, which caused icy roadway conditions along the I-94 corridor from Menomonie to Black River Falls. As a result, emergency services responded to multiple crashes, run-offs, and jack-knifed semi units.
Around 5:45a on I-94 at mile marker 96 the State Patrol and several emergency agencies responded to a multiple-vehicle crash.
Upon the State Patrols’ arrival, a semi was in the median on fire with two passenger vehicles underneath.
Several secondary crashes and run-offs occurred in the general vicinity.
Passengers of these vehicles are being transported by bus to an alternate safe location.
At this time, the State Patrol says that both eastbound and westbound lanes of I-94 are closed and a re-route has been established.
*UPDATE*
Currently I-94 east and west bound still remain closed as recovery efforts continue. Re-routes are in place. At this time we can report there are no fatalities and occupant injuries have been reported as minor.
*UPDATE #2*
I-94 remains closed and traffic re-routed as scene clean-up continues at mile marker 96. Recovery crews from multiple companies are working diligently to remove vehicles in order to open up the highway. The Technical Reconstruction Unit from the Wisconsin State Patrol has mapped and photographed the scene on the ground and air by use of drones.
*UPDATE #3*
All drivable automobiles and semi units in the back-up have been cleared. Emergency crews are continuing to remove all damaged vehicles. I-94 remains closed and re-routes are still in place.
*UPDATE #4*
Eastbound I-94 will be open to a single lane shortly. Westbound will remain closed as emergency crews continue to work. The remaining semi units to be removed are either heavily damaged, burned and/or in pieces.
As traffic lanes open, TIA notifications will be sent.
Last Update: Dec 23, 2021 7:37 pm CST
