Crime & Safety
Wisconsin Hwy 85 Crash: Vehicle Flies 135 Feet, Bursts Into Flames Nov 1
DUNN COUNTY, WI – A 42 year old Eau Claire woman escaped a fiery rollover crash Sunday evening after her vehicle reportedly went airborne for approximately 135 feet along State Highway 85 in southern
By Jenna Hartley · 2026-11-02T08:51:56.331Z
DUNN COUNTY, WI – A 42 year old Eau Claire woman escaped a fiery rollover crash Sunday evening after her vehicle reportedly went airborne for approximately 135 feet along State Highway 85 in southern Dunn County, with a passing motorist helping her reach safety.
According to the Dunn County Sheriff 's Office, emergency dispatchers received an automated crash detection notification from an iPhone at approximately 6:07 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, followed by a 911 call reporting a vehicle crash involving fire.
The crash occurred on State Highway 85 near 760th Street in the Township of Peru.
Preliminary findings indicate the vehicle was traveling eastbound when the driver failed to negotiate a curve, entered a ditch and became airborne for approximately 135 feet before overturning in a nearby field.
The vehicle caught fire almost immediately after the crash and quickly became engulfed in flames.
Despite the rapidly developing fire, the driver managed to escape the vehicle. A passing motorist who encountered the crash scene stopped and assisted her to safety.
Authorities identified the driver as a 42 year old woman from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, who was the vehicle's only occupant.
She was transported to an area hospital for treatment of injuries described as non life threatening.
The Dunn County Sheriff's Office reported that the woman was cited for Operating While Under the Influence OWI and Failure to Maintain Control of a Vehicle.
Emergency responders included the Dunn County Sheriff's Office, Dunn County First Responders, Durand Fire Department and Durand Ambulance Service.
The Pepin County Sheriff's Office also assisted at the scene.
The incident highlights the potential dangers of losing control on rural highways, particularly when a rollover results in a vehicle fire.
Officials did not provide additional details about the driver's condition or the circumstances surrounding the alleged impairment.