One killed in crash involving driver who fell asleep, truck pulling trailer engulfed in flames

KANSASVILLE (WITI) -- Racine County Sheriff's officials say one person was killed in a crash that led to a truck fire in the Town of Kansasville.

It happened on Sunday, May 24th on State Highway 75, just south of County Highway A.

A 911 caller reported a person was trapped inside a truck that was on fire.

When deputies responded to the scene, they found the truck fully engulfed. The individual inside was pronounced dead. He has been identified as 72-year-old Larry Burchell of Yorkville.

A preliminary investigation indicates the driver of a vehicle headed northbound on State Highway 75 fell asleep -- drifting into the southbound lane, striking the pickup truck that was pulling a trailer. The driver of the pickup truck tried to avoid the vehicle, but was still struck.

The crash forced the pickup truck into a ditch, and the vehicle then started on fire.

Investigators say everyone involved in this crash was wearing a seat belt.

It is unknown whether alcohol or drugs were factors in this crash.