MANITOWOC COUNTY -- Three people were killed in a multiple vehicle crash on I-43 northbound in Manitowoc County. It happened Thursday, January 25th around 3:30 p.m.
The crash happened south of County Road C in the Town of Newton.
Officials have identified the victims as 40-year-old Derrick Konz of Whitelaw, 33-year-old Jennifer Seidl and Steve Groelle, who are both from Manitowoc.
According to the Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office, preliminary investigation shows 40-year-old Derrick Konz was operating a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck southbound on I-43, when he crossed over the median and collided with a 2001 Ford Windstar van. The van was being driven by a 62-year-old Steven Groelle, with a passenger, 33-year-old Jennifer Seidl.
As a result of the crash, a small fire ignited in the engine of the truck.
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All three were trapped and had to be extracted.
The driver of the pickup truck and passenger of the van, were both pronounced dead at the scene. The operator of the van was taken to Theda Clark Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
It's unknown if any of the victims were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. All three suffered skull fractures, chest injuries and other injuries to their lower extremities.
The crash remains under investigation by the Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office, Wisconsin State Patrol and the Manitowoc County Coroner's Office.
The interstate was closed for several hours while officials responded to the scene.