I-43 Accident Leaves Car, Truck Engulfed In Flames

MILWAUKEE, WI — Milwaukee emergency services responded to a car crash on I-43 Wednesday morning, which left both vehicles engulfed in flames. Hazardous material units were needed, too, after emergency responders saw a placard on the truck indicating there was drum of toxic resin.

The accident happened around 3 a.m. Wednesday on the highway, just south of Wisconsin Avenue.

“Milwaukee Fire, sheriff’s deputies, Milwaukee and Marquette University police, and State Patrol troopers quickly worked together to keep the community safe during this hazardous situation caused by this fiery crash and potentially toxic materials. Safety concerns take precedence over the temporary inconvenience of the necessary freeway closure," said Sheriff Schmidt.

The car hit the back of the truck, the release says, causing the accident. The toxic resin "can become a toxic irritant and quite explosive," the release says. "Burning material had run downhill and into the sewer system, requiring a Hazmat response and evacuation of all on-site personnel."

The construction company which owned the drum of material was contacted, according to the release, and they said the material was actually a primer which is not explosive or toxic.

The scene was clear at 5:10 a.m. Wednesday.

The crash is still under investigation.

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