I-43 Milwaukee wrong-way crash; 2 dead, others injured

MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office said a wrong-way crash Saturday morning left two people dead on Interstate 43.

I-43 and National

What we know:

Deputies said two vehicles were driving the wrong way on I-43. One of those vehicles, a white sedan headed south in the northbound lanes, collided with an oncoming car just after 5 a.m. near National Avenue.

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The male driver of the white sedan, along with a female passenger, died. Another female passenger was seriously injured. Deputies said other victims of the crash – including a child in the vehicle that was struck – are expected to survive.

The sheriff's office said both wrong-way vehicles apparently entered the interstate at Plankinton Avenue.

Wrong-way fatal crash on I-43 near National

What we don't know:

The sheriff's office said deputies are still looking for the driver of the second wrong-way vehicle. Investigators are also looking to see whether the two wrong-way vehicles are connected.

The second wrong-way vehicle was described as a dark or silver SUV.

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Wrong-way drivers

What they're saying:

Drivers who spoke to FOX6 News said the news was startling – but not surprising.

"It's sad, but it wasn't really that shocking," Jonathan Rader said.

"I get on this ramp every day through the week going to work. I feel like it’s very chaotic," said Sierra Arthur. "All I can say is try to pay attention more when driving, and try to be really conscious about what’s around you as much as you can to avoid things like that."

"It makes driving in the city, which is already stressful, even more stressful," said Elly Girmscheid.

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Milwaukee wrong-way driver passed Harris motorcade, pleads not guilty

The Milwaukee man accused of driving the wrong way toward Vice President Kamala Harris’ motorcade in October pleaded not guilty on Wednesday.

Big picture view:

 There have been a number of wrong-way drivers charged in Milwaukee County over the past few months.

• Wrong-way driver on I-94 in Oak Creek; woman accused had child in SUV
• Milwaukee County wrong-way driver on I-94; man charged
• Milwaukee wrong-way driver passed Harris motorcade, pleads not guilty
• South Milwaukee man accused; driving wrong way on I-794, causing wreck
• Milwaukee wrong-way driving incident on I-94/43; woman accused
• Milwaukee I-794 crash caused by wrong-way driver, 2 injured

By the numbers:

The most recent data from the Federal Highway Administration shows wrong-way driving deaths increased from 2018 to 2022.