| | MEDIA RELEASE | |
| WISCONSIN STATE PATROL Northeast Region Fond du Lac Post |
| 851 S. ROLLING MEADOWS DRIVE FOND DU LAC WI 54936 TELEPHONE: (920) 929-3700 FAX: (920) 929-2770 July 27, 2009 |
UPDATE: THE SOUTHBOUND LANES OF I43 ARE NOW OPEN. THE NORTHBOUND LEFT LANE IS ALSO OPEN BUT THE NORTHBOUND RIGHT LANE WILL REMAIN CLOSED FROM JUST NORTH OF WEBSTER TO ACROSS THE BRIDGE DUE TO PREVIOUSLY PLANNED MAINTENANCE WORK IN THAT AREA.
CRASH CLOSES LEO FRIGO BRIDGE
At approximately 626am this morning, a semi tractor/trailer unit struck the back of a large mobile crane just entering onto the Leo Frigo bridge. Both northbound and southbound lanes of I43 remain closed as a result of the crash.
The mobile crane was in the right lane traveling at approximately 35 miles per hour when it was struck from behind by the semi. The semi, after striking the crane, struck the median jersey barrier and traveled approximately 600 feet where it burst into flames.
The mobile crane owned by Ideal Crane Rental Inc of Madison was driven by 39 year old David Haertl of Freemont, Wisconsin. The Werner semi was driven by 22 year old Robert Lee Carrigan of Greenville, Texas. In the sleeper berth of the semi was 37 year old Matthew Peterson of Lancaster, California.
Mr. Haertl was not injured. Mr. Carrigan and Mr. Peterson were transported to St. Vincents Hospital by Green Bay city ambulances with non-life threatening injuries.
DNR who responded to the scene stated any diesel spillage was burned off/contained and did not enter the waterway. DOT personnel are inspecting the bridge for structural and electrical systems damage. At this time it is unknown when it will be reopened.
In addition to DNR and DOT personnel, Brown County Sheriff's Department, Green Bay Police Department, Brown County Highway Department and Green Bay Department of Public Works responded to the scene.
The Wisconsin State Patrol is investigating the crash at this time.
Auth: SGT Seymour
