A pedestrian was struck by a commercial motor vehicle on Highway 27, about 1½ miles south of Cashton, in the town of Christiana at about 9:45 p.m. Saturday, April 19, according to Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson.
The preliminary investigation revealed that an adult male who had been walking south on the northbound shoulder suddenly entered the traveled portion of the highway and collided with a northbound tractor/trailer combination. This resulted in very serious injuries, and the man was flown from the scene to Gundersen Health System in La Crosse by GundersenAIR.
Along with the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, the Westby Police Department, Westby-Christiana Fire Department, Westby Emergency Medical Services, and Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance responded to the scene.
Highway 27 was closed between County Highway PC at Newry and Highway 33 at Cashton until midnight.
Sheriff Roy Torgerson also recognized the Cashton Fire Department for assisting Westby-Christiana Fire with traffic control and establishing a temporary detour route.
A motor carrier inspector from the Wisconsin State Patrol also responded to initiate a post-crash inspection of the commercial vehicle.
The commercial vehicle was equipped with a functioning dash camera.
Torgerson said, “My heart goes out to everyone involved in this traumatic event.”
The investigation continues, and the names of those involved will be released later.
