ELBA, WI – A tragic accident claimed the life of a young woman on U.S. Highway 151 after her vehicle was seen traveling in the wrong direction. The fatal collision occurred just moments after the 22-year-old from Beaver Dam was spotted heading south in the northbound lanes near state Highway 73, west of Columbus.
Officials from the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department reported that the woman’s 2005 Toyota RAV4 collided with a 2019 Toyota Corolla late on the night of April 18. The impact was severe, causing the RAV4 to overturn multiple times. Sadly, the young woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two passengers in the RAV4, both 17-year-old females, sustained severe injuries and were quickly transported to hospitals in Columbus and Madison for urgent medical care. The driver of the Corolla, meanwhile, suffered minor injuries and received treatment at a nearby facility.
As of noon the following day, authorities had not released information regarding the potential cause of the crash. Investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to the accident, seeking to understand what prompted the wrong-way driving.
The collision had significant repercussions for traffic in the area. Reports indicated that the accident led to substantial delays, with vehicles backed up for as long as two hours on the highway, particularly affecting the intersections with Highways 16 and 60, as well as Interstate 39/90. By 2:30 a.m. on April 19, the roadway had been cleared.
The community is left grappling with the sudden and profound loss, as well as the serious injuries sustained by the teenagers involved. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictability and potential dangers of road travel.
Authorities urge drivers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or dangerous activity on the roads to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate and gather more details to provide closure and understanding for all those affected.