Multiple Vehicle Crash In Township of Merrill Leaves Two Dead, Two Injured
TOWN OF MERRILL – Multiple 911 calls were received by the Lincoln County 911 Center at approximately 3:46 p.m. on Wednesday, 10/23/2024 reporting a three-vehicle crash near the intersection of State Hwy 17 and Barnes Creek Ave. in the Township of Merrill. Reports at the time stated multiple occupants were injured.
Preliminary investigation indicates that a northbound pickup truck crossed the center line and struck a southbound SUV head-on. A Southbound pickup truck then struck the first pickup truck. A 79 year old driver and 82 year old passenger of the SUV were pronounced dead at the scene. The 23 year old driver of the first pickup truck sustained critical injuries not believed to be life threatening, and was transported ot Aspirus Wausau Hospital. The 32 year old driver of the second pickup truck was treated for minor injuries and released at the scene. Names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of family members.
Highway 17 was closed for for investigation and cleanup for approx 5.5 hours . The Merrill Police and Fire Department, the Lincoln County Highway Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, the Wisconsin DOT, and the Lincoln County Coroner assisted the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at the scene.
The crash remains under investigation.