City Times Staff

The Portage County Sheriff’s Office has released the names of those involved in a two vehicle crash on Highway 10 that left one hospitalized with severe injuries early Monday morning.

According the a news release from the sheriff’s office, a 911 call was received at about 5:15 AM on December 14 reporting a two vehicle crash on Highway 10, east of County Hwy. J, in the Town of Stockton involving a passenger car and a semi-tractor/trailer. Callers reported that the occupant of the passenger car was trapped and the vehicle was on fire.

An off-duty Waupaca County Sheriff’s deputy used a portable fire extinguisher from his personal car to put the fire out, according to the news release.

Upon arrival, deputies determined that an eastbound Buick Park Avenue, driven by 20-year-old Joseph Krizek from Reedsville, crossed the median of Highway 10, and struck a fully loaded westbound semi-tractor and trailer, operated by 56-year-old Joe Hannah from Fond du Lac, head on.

Fire crews extricated Krizek from his automobile, and he was transported to Saint Michael’s Hospital with severe injuries. Hannah was also transported to the hospital and later released.

Krizek was subsequently transferred to Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield. His current condition is unknown.

The westbound lanes of US Highway 10 were closed until 11:50 a.m. while crews investigated the crash scene and removed the vehicles and debris. A detour was established to guide motorists around the scene. The highway has since reopened to traffic.

In addition to the Sheriff’s Office, the Portage County Ambulance Service, Stockton Fire Department, Portage County Traffic Incident Management Team, Wisconsin State Patrol and the Portage County Highway Department also responded to the scene.

The incident is being investigated by the Portage County Sheriff’s Office Technical Crash Investigation Team. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined, but excessive speed and wet roadway conditions are considered to be possible contributing factors.