UPDATE: Lanes open after wrong way driver dies after fiery crash with semi on High Rise Bridge
Updated: 11:42 a.m. November 1, 2017
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- I-43 north and south lanes have reopened in the Marquette Interchange after Wednesday morning's fatal crash.
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Updated: 10:05 a.m. November 1, 2017
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Wednesday morning around 3:45 Milwaukee County dispatch got a call of a wrong-way driver going south in the north lanes on I-43 in the Marquette Interchange. Two minutes later a call went out about a jack-knifed semi-truck on fire on the High Rise Bridge.
The semi and another car were fully engulfed in flames. An off-duty Milwaukee Police Officer attempted to remove the unconscious driver from the car, but was driven back by the flames. The Milwaukee Fire Department arrived and put out the fire.
The driver of the semi was able to get out of the cab of his truck as it caught fire. The semi driver said he was driving north when he saw a car without headlights on driving directly towards him. A car in the lane next to him prevented the truck driver from being able to swerve out of the way. The semi driver was taken to the hospital with pain to his ankles and knees from the crash.
The Medical Examiner responded and pronounced the driver of the car dead at 6:55 a.m, and firefighters removed the body from the car.
The location where the driver got on the freeway the wrong way is not yet known.
Traffic driving north was closed at National Avenue and one lane of I-43 south is also closed. Delays in the area are in excess of three miles and drivers are encouraged to avoid the area.
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Posted: 4:36 a.m. November 1, 2017
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A deadly crash on I-43 at National will have a major impact on Wednesday morning's commute.
According to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, the fatal crash occurred around 3:45 a.m. The Sheriff's Office is still investigating the details involving the crash.
NEW VIDEO shows deadly crash on I-43 NB near National. LIVE updates from the scene and details on detours on #CBS58AM. pic.twitter.com/BSHR3IYuph
— CBS 58 News (@CBS58) November 1, 2017
The Department of Transportation reports that three southbound lanes are closed and the northbound lanes are expected to be closed for 3-4 hours. Traffic is being diverted off the highway and onto Exit 311, where drivers will be able to go their own way from there.
Be sure to use your detours this morning for fatal crash at I43NB and National. @CBS58#ReadyTrafficpic.twitter.com/cpmpzDrSed
— Andy Brovelli (@ABrovelli) November 1, 2017
SB lanes of I43 seeing impact due to crash along I43NB. I794 is a good detour to use! @CBS58#ReadyTrafficpic.twitter.com/lU3a3ogWSw
— Andy Brovelli (@ABrovelli) November 1, 2017
Stay with CBS 58 on air and online for updates on this breaking news story.