A Wednesday afternoon drive on US Highway 12 in the Town of Whitewater turned fatal when a head-on crash left one passenger dead and sent several others to area hospitals just before 1 p.m. Emergency crews rushed to the scene near County Highway P, and authorities say the wreck is now the focus of a county investigation.
What Happened
According to the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, a westbound Toyota Highlander was hit by an eastbound Ford Explorer that was attempting to turn left onto County Highway P. A passenger in the Highlander, identified only as a Town of Whitewater resident, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the Highlander’s driver and everyone in the Ford were transported to local hospitals.
The initial account of the crash, based on witness statements and the sheriff’s early investigation, was released by the department and reported by FOX6 Milwaukee. Officials said the collision occurred just before 1 p.m.
Where It Happened
The crash took place on a stretch of US 12 that has been under construction this summer, with resurfacing work and signal updates bringing temporary signals and detours to the area, according to the Town of Whitewater.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation project page for the US 12 resurfacing details work between County P and WIS 20/WIS 67 and outlines temporary traffic patterns while crews complete the project.
Investigation
The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office said the crash remains under investigation and has not released a full breakdown of who was hospitalized or their current conditions, as reported by FOX6 Milwaukee. Officials have also not made the victim’s name public, other than confirming the person lived in the Town of Whitewater.
The sheriff’s office and local emergency services are handling the probe, and the county is expected to provide updates as investigators learn more. We will update this story when officials release further details.
