2 dead, 3 injured following head-on collision in Washington Co., speed believed to be factor

WASHINGTON COUNTY -- Two men died and three children were injured in a head-on crash in Washington County Sunday night, March 17.

The victims were identified by Washington County sheriff's officials as John Johnson, 52, from the Town of Barton and Michael Roeber, 51, from West Bend.

The crash happened around 7 p.m. in the area of County Highway NN, east of County Highway M in Jackson.

Jackson Fire Chief Aaron Swaney

"The first vehicle came into the second vehicle's lane, and that's how they struck," said Jackson Fire Chief Aaron Swaney.

According to the Washington County Sheriff's Office, a preliminary investigation revealed the first vehicle, driven by Johnson, was headed eastbound on County Highway NN when it veered into the westbound lanes -- striking the second vehicle, driven by Roeber, head-on.

Both drivers died.

"We don't really see too many fatal accidents on back roads, or in our community. Most of our accidents are on freeways," said Chief Swaney.

There were three passengers in the second vehicle, ages 8, 10 and 16. They were all transported to a hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

Speed was believed to be a factor in the crash, officials said.

"Slow down. Take precautions at all times. It's very easy to get into an accident. Even if you are an excellent driver, it still can happen," said Chief Swaney.