A fatal collision on Interstate 94 southbound at Grange Avenue claimed the life of a 46-year-old Oak Creek man and seriously injured a 55-year-old Franklin woman yesterday. According to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, the incident, which led to a full freeway shutdown, occurred just after 6 p.m. with the freeway subsequently reopening around 10:16 p.m. CBS 58 reported that the man's car had been at a halt in the median before it suddenly accelerated into oncoming traffic.
The Sheriff's Office relayed that the vehicle, driven by the deceased, veered across multiple lanes at a high speed, clipping another vehicle, and ultimately smashing into the outer retention wall. The crash forced the car to then career back across all traffic lanes, impacting the median wall where it came to rest. As per a statement obtained by WTMJ, the medical efforts by deputies at the scene to revive the man failed, and he was declared dead shortly after the collision.
The injured passenger was promptly taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. The second vehicle involved reported only minor damage, and its driver was not harmed. On-the-scene authorities and emergency crews worked to clear the scene and fully investigate the circumstances surrounding the traumatic event. The closure affected traffic significantly, including the ramps from I-41/43/894 East to I-41/94 South and beyond through Layton Ave.
While the investigation into the crash is actively ongoing, the Milwaukee County medical examiner confirmed the fatality to WISN 12 News. The Sheriff's Office has not yet released further details on the cause of the crash or any additional factors that may have contributed to this tragic incident. The reopening of the freeway allowed traffic to resume normally late into the evening.
