BIG BEND, WI — A fatal semi-truck collision led to a full closure of northbound Interstate 43 in Big Bend on Wednesday, causing major traffic disruptions in the area near the Walmart and park-and-ride facility.
According to the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred when one semi-truck rear-ended another on the northbound lanes. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene, where one driver was pronounced dead at the site of the collision. The second driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The crash forced authorities to shut down northbound I-43 between the WIS 83 ramp and WIS 164 while emergency crews worked to clear debris and investigate the scene. Aerial footage from News Chopper 12 showed scattered debris across the highway and significant traffic backups as vehicles were diverted off the interstate.
Officials directed motorists to use a detour route taking WIS 83 northbound to Highway ES/Fox Street eastbound, then continuing to WIS 164 southbound to rejoin I-43. Traffic delays were expected to continue throughout the investigation and cleanup process.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased driver, pending notification of next of kin. Investigators are working to determine the circumstances that led to the rear-end collision, including speed, traffic conditions, and driver response at the time of impact.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation and local law enforcement continue to manage the scene as the investigation remains ongoing.