Semi Hauling Food Slams Into High-Voltage Power Pole Near McFarland, Trapping Driver and Closing I-39/90
MCFARLAND, WISCONSIN — A semi-truck hauling food products crashed into a high-voltage power pole early Friday morning near McFarland, bringing the pole down onto the cab and trapping the driver inside, prompting lane and ramp closures on Interstate 39/90 that authorities said could remain in place into the weekend.

The Cottage Grove Fire Department said the crash was reported just after 2:30 a.m. on the I-90 westbound exit ramp to Highway N in the Town of Pleasant Springs. Fire officials said the semi lost control and struck a high-voltage power pole.

Wisconsin State Patrol said the semi was hauling food products. The power pole fell onto the semi cab, leaving the driver stuck inside. American Transmission Company confirmed power was shut off to the lines, and firefighters then worked to pull the driver out of the truck. Cottage Grove officials said the driver was in stable condition, and Deer-Grove EMS transported the driver to a hospital. Wisconsin State Patrol said the driver is expected to be OK.

As of about 12:30 p.m., Wisconsin State Patrol said two lanes of I-39/90 northbound and the I-39/90 northbound on-ramp from County N remained closed while crews worked on repairs. State Patrol said the closures would likely continue into the weekend and urged drivers to use alternate routes if traveling in the area.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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