JANESVILLE — A driver died Friday evening after crashing into the back of semi-trailer tractor on Interstate 39/90 near Janesville, according to the Wisconsin State Patrol.
Authorities say a Toyota Camry was heading south about 7: 10 p.m. on I-39/90 near the Racine Street exit when it struck the rear of the semi, according to WiscNews.com.
The driver died in the crash, according to the State Patrol.
The crash happened while emergency crews were still cleaning up after an earlier massive pileup between Janesville and Beloit.
In that crash, 27 people have been treated for various injuries at Beloit Memorial Hospital, with others being sent to Janesville hospitals.
Beloit Memorial received their first patients from the I90 accident about 1:40 p.m.
The hospital continues to work with local and county EMS but have been notified they will not receive anymore patients, Head of Marketing and Community Relations at Beloit Memorial Hospital, Tami Scarpetta, told the Janesville News Report.
Their injuries range from head, shoulder, and neck pain.
“Beloit Health System trains for these types of events and their physicians and staff responded to today’s incident with great care and treatment of all patients received,” Scarpetta said.
The Interstate reopened about 9:45 p.m. Friday.
The crash occurred around 12:30 p.m. near County Road S when about 85 vehicles were involved in the crash.
According to the State Patrol, when the first units arrived on scene, Troopers found the interstate blocked in both directions.
Southbound traffic was being diverted at Avalon Road and northbound traffic was diverted at Shopiere Road.
Travelers were advised to avoid the area, while State Patrol and supporting agencies assist motorists involved, investigate the crash and work to clear the roadway.
This incident occurred during a severe winter weather event with snow, ice and whiteout conditions believed to be a factor in the initial crash.
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The WSP is investigating these crashes and was assisted by the Rock County Sheriff’s Office, Beloit Police Department, Janesville Police Department, Janesville Fire/EMS, Beloit Fire/EMS, Town of Beloit Fire/EMS, Town of Turtle Fire/EMS, Milton Fire/EMS, Footville Fire/EMS, Evansville Fire/EMS, Clinton Fire/EMS, Orfordville Fire/EMS, Edgerton Fire/EMS, Rockton, IL EMS, Rock County Medical Examiner, Rock County Highway Department, and numerous tow services.