2 semitrailers crash head-on in Lafayette Co.

Section of Highway 23 closed for hours

DARLINGTON, Wis. — Two semitrailers crashed head-on early Monday morning on Highway 23.

The Darlington Police Department said a preliminary investigation revealed a northbound tractor-trailer driven by Delvin Mau, 57, of South Wayne, Wis., had a front driver’s side wheel blowout that caused the tractor-trailer to cross the center line into the pathway of a southbound semitrailer at about 5:45 a.m. Monday.

The southbound semitrailer was driven by Dennis Rutherford, 58, of Blue River, Wis.

The two semitrailers collided head-on and the northbound semi subsequently caught fire, according to a Darlington Police Department news release.

Both drivers escaped serious injury and were transported by Rural Medical Ambulance Service to Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County, where they were treated and released.

Highway 23 remained closed from 5:45 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Monday.

The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department, Wisconsin State Patrol and Lafayette County Highway Department assisted at the scene.