2 Dead In I-43 Crash; Wrong-Way Driver May Face Homicide Charges

MILWAUKEE, WI – One person may face homicide charges after authorities say he drove the wrong way on I-43 and crashed head-on into another vehicle, resulting in two deaths Wednesday night.

Authorities responded to the crash just after 11 p.m. on Wednesday after learning that the wrong-way driver crashed head-on into a vehicle moving with the traffic flow on I-43 just south of S. Chase Ave.

According to Milwaukee County Sheriff's officials, one vehicle involved in the crash rolled over, and was on its roof in the median emergency lane. The second vehicle was facing the wrong way across two lanes of traffic, officials said.

The Milwaukee Fire Department and Greenfield Fire Department rescued two people who were trapped inside both vehicles, sheriff's officials said.

One passenger from the wrong-way vehicle and one passenger from the vehicle that was struck were pronounced dead at the site of the crash, according to officials. Sheriff's officials told Patch that both the deceased were from Milwaukee, though their names are being withheld as they notify their families.

Authorities said the driver of the vehicle that was struck suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The driver and passenger of the wrong-way vehicle were both transported to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

Authorities said the wrong-way driver was driving while under the influence. Milwaukee County Sheriff's officials released the name of the accused and charging recommendations made to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's office, though court records have yet to be updated to indicate that he's been formally charged. Patch will update the story in the event charges are made official.

Patch has reached out to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's office for additional information.