Four children were hurt and a car went up in flames early Monday after a speeding driver crashed near 11th and Atkinson, and a nearby Good Samaritan along with neighbors pulled the youngsters from the wreck before firefighters arrived. The fast-moving rescue got the kids to area hospitals while crews moved in to knock down the blaze.
The Milwaukee Police Department says the crash happened near 11th Street and West Atkinson Avenue when a 26-year-old woman allegedly sped into oncoming traffic, triggering the collision and a vehicle fire. Two 8-year-olds, a 6-year-old and a 5-year-old were transported to hospitals. Police say the driver initially ran off on foot with the children but was later arrested, and that charges are expected to be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney, which had not yet received them, according to TMJ4.
Louis Deamon told reporters he ran toward the burning car and pulled at least one child from the wreckage, recalling, “I pick her up, she's like 'help me, help me.'” Neighbors helped get two other children out as flames spread, he said, per TMJ4.
Where It Happened and Emergency Response
The crash shut down the intersection while Milwaukee Fire Department crews doused the flames and emergency medical teams treated the children at the scene. The quick actions of Deamon and his neighbors were credited with preventing even more serious injuries. Hoodline's earlier coverage of a fiery I-43 crash underscores how quickly traffic violence can turn deadly in the region.
Legal Note
Under Wisconsin law, drivers involved in crashes that cause injury must stop, provide identifying information and offer reasonable assistance. Failing to do so can be prosecuted as a hit-and-run. Prosecutors often rely on Wis. Stat. § 346.67 when charging drivers who leave scenes with injured people, per Wisconsin statute §346.67 as published on Justia.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the Milwaukee Police Department's traffic division as investigators continue their work. This story will be updated as officials release more details.
