On Tuesday, December 8, 2009, at 4:45 P.M., authorities responded to a traffic crash with injury involving a semi tractor-trailer and passenger car on N. STH 26 approximately five-tenths of a mile south of County Line Road.

This crash occurred in the Town of Milton, located in north central Rock County.

North and Southbound traffic for N. STH 26 was and is currently closed. Traffic is being diverted at the time of this press release.

Preliminary investigation showed a 2000 Mercury Sable driver by Ryan A. Krebs, age 18, of Fort Atkinson, WI, was northbound on N. STH 26 when he lost control of the car on the snow and ice-covered highway.

Krebs’ vehicle slid across the centerline into the path of an oncoming southbound 2006 Freightliner semi-tractor and trailer driven by Larry K. Winterland, age 49, of Pecatonica, IL.

Winterland was unable to avoid the collision and his semi-tractor and trailer struck Kreb’s vehicle head on. Both vehicles came to rest in the east ditch of N. STH 26.

Winterland’s semi-tractor and trailer started on fire and was fully engulfed when fire personnel arrived on scene. Winterland was able to get out of the semi and was uninjured. Krebs had to be extricated from his vehicle. Krebs was transported to Mercy Hospital, Janesville, WI.

Krebs and Winterland both were wearing seat belts. Speed to Fast for Conditions is a contributing factor in this crash. Alcohol is not considered a factor.