Semi plunges into Red Cedar, one dead

MENOMONIE – The body of an individual that is believed that have been operating a semi tractor-trailer that plunged into the icy waters of the Red Cedar River has been recovered.

 A report provided by the Wisconsin State Patrol around 9:30 am Tuesday, March 5 stated that emergency crews had removed the semi that had been submerged in the Red Cedar River since 4:00 am that morning and had recovered one body, that believed to be the driver of the semi.

The report further stated that the search for a second passenger that was believed to be riding in the semi, according to information supplied to authorities by the semi’s company, was underway. The truck was based out of Lansing, Michigan. No names had been released as of press time Tuesday noon, nor was the name of the company.

The accident occurred around 4 a.m. Tuesday, March 5.

The report stated that the semi was travelling west on I-94 on snow covered roads. Initial indications are that the semi entered the median prior to the river, travelled through the median and went down the embankment into the river.

In addition to law enforcement, dive teams and tow trucks were on scene to locate the driver and possible passenger.

Eastbound I-94 was closed at WIS 25 while emergency services worked the scene. Motorists were directed through Menomonie and back on to the interstate from WIS 12 and County B. Authorities hoped to have the eastbound lanes of I-94 open by late morning.