Sheriff's officials: Driver, possibly impaired, causes head-on crash on Highway 45

WASHINGTON COUNTY -- Washington County sheriff's officials late Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 31, were called out to a head-on crash on Highway 45.

It began around 4:30 p.m.

Sheriff's officials said prior to the crash, they received multiple calls in regards to the poor driving of the suspect vehicle on Highway 45 NB from Highway 175 -- with some indicating the driver was possibly impaired.

At 4:45 p.m., officials were notified that the suspect vehicle crossed over the median and struck a southbound vehicle head-on. The southbound vehicle briefly started on fire, however, the fire was quickly put out by a passer-by and his personal fire extinguisher.

Deputies and rescue personnel from the Jackson Fire Department were subsequently dispatched to the scene.

The driver of the northbound vehicle was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital and then flown via Flight for Life to Froedtert Hospital.

The driver of the southbound vehicle was taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

Highway 45 SB between Paradise and Pleasant Valley Rd. was closed for more than an hour.

At this time, driver impairment appears to be a contributing factor, sheriff's officials said. However, the crash remains under investigation.