Report: Illegal passing factor in bus accident
 No comments posted.
By The Chippewa Herald
Friday, October 24, 2008 4:10 PM CDT
A motor coach bus returning from a Packers game that was involved in a crash on County X late Sunday was passing in a no passing zone, according to an accident report filed by the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department.
Driver Fredrick J. Wildenberg, 68, 13997 290th Ave., New Auburn, was cited for a passing violation after the accident in which two people in the other vehicle were injured.
According to the accident report and witness statements made available on Thursday:
Janice M. Fritz, 41, 16268 50th Ave., Chippewa Falls, was driving a 2003 Ford Windstar van with four passengers, including two small children, westbound on County X behind a truck pulling a trailer.
The driver of the truck either slowed, stopped or pulled over, based on somewhat conflicting reports, in order to allow Fritz to pass. The driver of the truck knew Fritz would intend to turn left into a trailer park at 19809 County X, according to statements.
Fritz passed the truck, and the bus pulled into the left lane to pass as well and stayed in the left lane on a double yellow line. When Fritz attempted to move left to turn into 19809 County X, the driver’s side of the van collided with the right front area of the bus.
A witness in the bus stated the van was stopped in the right lane before beginning the left turn. However, Fritz stated she had not stopped, but had signaled her turn and slowed to make the turn.
The bus sustained moderate damage, but no one on board was reported injured.
Fritz reported injury, as did passenger Dolores M. Kloss, 33, 11187 County S, Chippewa Falls. All five occupants of the van were taken for medical treatment, though only two were reported injured.
|
Archives