By Shereen Siewert
Police and rescue crews in the Wausau area responded to 174 crashes Friday during a blast of snow and wind that swept through the area, according to the Marathon County Sheriff’s Department.
Of those, 30 reported injuries while 144 were property damage crashes, the department announced Saturday. Crashes were handled by a range of agencies county-wide.
Multiple crashes on Hwy. 51 and I-39 along the Wausau corridor involved dozens of vehicles, stranding passengers for hours and shutting down the highway until about 8 p.m. Buses transported stranded drivers as crews worked to clear the highway, towing vehicles to a temporary holding lot. Wausau Police say officers will follow up with drivers Saturday to gather information.
No deaths were reported, but the number of injuries is so far unclear. At least 10 people were reported injured in a 39-vehicle crash on Hwy. 51.
Marathon County Sheriff’s officials are urging caution for travelers on Saturday as many areas have drifting snow and slippery stretches. Visit 511wi.gov for up to date information on the highway closure and conditions.
Photos courtesy of the Wausau Police Department Facebook page
