KNAPP — One person is dead following a semi versus SUV accident early Saturday, June 18, 2022 in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 94 at Milepost 32 in Dunn County near Knapp.
Rufus Pi’er Moore, 57 years-old of Wisconsin, died in the crash after the 2017 Nissan Rouge in which he was an occupant was struck by a 2019 Freightliner double-bottom semi tractor trailer.
The accident occurred at approximately 12:42 a.m.
According to a news release from the Wisconsin State Patrol, the Nissan Rogue (SUV) was eastbound when it struck a deer and stopped on the right shoulder of interstate 94. The SUV then traveled in reverse and entered into the left lane where it was struck by the eastbound Freightliner.
A second occupant of the SUV, 55-year-old Eric D. Moore, also of Wisconsin, received minor injury and was transported to a local hospital. Jennie Marie Barnes of Minnesota, the 51-year-old operator of the semi, was not injured in the accident.
Both lanes of Interstate 94 eastbound were closed for approximately 4 hours.
While Barnes was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, neither Rufus nor Eric Moore were belted.
Any enforcement action is pending the conclusion of the crash investigation and crash reconstruction which are being conducted by the Wisconsin State Patrol.
Assisting agencies included Dunn County Sheriff’s Office, Dunn County Medical Examiner, St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office and Menomonie Fire and Rescue.
