VILAS COUNTY, Wis. – A 49-year-old driver was killed Saturday night after losing control of a semi cab that overturned along Highway 45 in Conover, according to the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office.
Crash Details and Emergency Response
Authorities say the Vilas County Dispatch Center received a call just before 11 p.m. reporting a crash near Hwy 45 and Abalan Lane. The caller told dispatchers that a semi cab was overturned on its roof.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle was traveling north on Highway 45 when the driver lost control due to icy road conditions, causing the truck to roll over.
Despite immediate response efforts from local emergency teams, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials have not yet released the driver’s identity pending notification of family members.
Agencies on Scene
A large multi-agency response was coordinated, including:
- Conover Fire Department
- Conover Ambulance
- Land O’ Lakes Fire Department
- Eagle River Ambulance
- Aspirus MedEvac
- Vilas County Highway Department
- Otto’s Towing and Kumbier’s Towing
- Oneida County Medical Examiner
- Eagle River Police Department
- Vilas County Emergency Management
- Vilas County Sheriff’s Office
Weather and Road Conditions
Officials say the crash was likely caused by icy road surfaces that developed late Saturday evening as temperatures dropped. Drivers across northern Wisconsin are urged to use extreme caution, reduce speed, and avoid travel in areas where ice and snow have made highways slick.
The Vilas County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the crash, including factors such as vehicle speed and weather impact.
Stay tuned to HonkNews.com for updates on this developing story and ongoing winter safety coverage.