SAUKVILLE, Wis. — Multiple semi-truck crashes, including a fatal crash in Saukville, caused major delays on Interstate 43 in Ozaukee County as winter weather conditions created hazardous driving situations throughout the area.
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A semi-truck jack-knifed while traveling southbound on I-43 in Saukville, lost control, and crossed the median, hitting multiple other vehicles, according to the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office. The crash left one person dead and four others seriously injured.
The deceased driver was identified by the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office as Thomas Paine, 71, of Johnson Creek, Wisconsin.
"It was insane, two semis," said Nick Bennett, a driver who witnessed the aftermath.
Authorities shut down northbound lanes for hours as they investigated the crash in winter conditions. The closure created a line of traffic stretching as far as the eye could see.
A similar incident occurred in Port Washington, where another jack-knifed semi blocked southbound lanes, adding to the travel disruptions across the county.
"Probably like at least 15 cars in the ditch, less than 10 tow trucks but a lot of cops and a few ambulances," said Cooper O'Connell, another driver navigating the conditions.
The crashes created significant delays for motorists, with some experiencing extended backup times.
"For like two and a half miles I was backed up on 43," Bennett said.
Weather conditions played a major role in the incidents, with wind and ice creating particularly dangerous driving situations.
Watch: Fatal semi-truck crash in Saukville shuts I‑43; multiple jackknifes cause major delays
"Super windy though, I think the main part is not even the snow, it's kind of like the ice and the wind," O'Connell said.
As conditions deteriorated with increasing wind and moisture turning to ice on roadways, drivers were reminded to exercise extra caution and patience.
O'Connell offered advice for navigating similar conditions: "Main thing for me is like two hands on the wheel consistently and never get comfortable cause you never really know when a wind gust is going to hit or something. Also not following too closely to someone, finding the better lane between the two."
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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