Driver suffers seizure, crashes vehicle into Washington County garage
WASHINGTON COUNTY -- A North Fond du Lac man sustained minor injuries after crashing into a garage Monday night, April 11th. It happened around 6:10 p.m.
Officials say the 37-year-old driver was traveling eastbound STH 33 in the 4700 block when he left the roadway and entered the south ditch line. The vehicle continued to travel for about 200 yards before striking a a garage.
Witnesses estimated the driver hit the building at approximately 40 mph -- and they did not see any brake lights on the vehicle prior to the collision.
The property owner came outside and observed the vehicle embedded in the garage and tried to break the rear window of the van with an axe in an effort to reach the driver. The property owner eventually pushed through the debris in the garage and noticed the driver was unresponsive.
Upon deputies arrival, the driver was still unresponsive and the vehicle was still in drive, with the front tires spinning. Authorities say the driver still had his foot on the accelerator.
The deputy was able to make verbal contact with the driver, who shut the vehicle off and crawled out.
The driver was transported to Froedtert St. Joseph's Hospital and his condition began to improve greatly.
Medical staff advised it appeared the driver suffered a seizure, which was consistent with the deputy’s observations that drugs and alcohol did not appear to be a contributing factor.
Damage was estimated at about $50,000.
The driver suffered minor injuries as a result of the collision. Enforcement action, including a Driver Condition Report, is pending since the medical problem was pre-existing and the driver acknowledged not taking his prescription for two days.