A horrifying pileup involving more than 100 vehicles in east-central Wisconsin has left one person dead and dozens injured in what’s being called the largest traffic crash in the state’s history.
The crash occurred along Interstate 41 in slippery and snowy conditions. Dashcam footage from one of the vehicles in the massive pile-up offers a glimpse at the destruction and how difficult it was for motorists to avoid.
ABC13 reports that a total of 131 vehicles were involved in the crash and that 71 people were treated for various injuries.
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As the crash unfolded, local 911 dispatches were flooded by calls for help and throughout the day, took more than 700 calls between 11 am and 6 pm. Usually, they’ll take about 200 calls in an eight-hour period.
“You know, you’re hearing the cars striking other vehicles around them and keeping the caller calm,” dispatcher Noah Henke said. “You know, ‘Just stay in your vehicle.’ You know, ‘Just keep your seatbelt on’ in an instance like that. It’s going to be the safest place.”
The series of events leading up to the pileup remains unclear but it likely started out with just one, or a couple of cars, sliding out of control on the snow-covered road. Reduced visibility across the road made it virtually impossible for oncoming motorists to brake and avoid the carnage.
Winnebago County Sheriff John Matz told the media that 30-year-old science teacher Andrew Schefelker was the victim. He worked in the Iola-Scandinavia School District.