Semi plunges into Red Cedar; I-94 closed at Menomonie

Parts of I-94 are closed in western Wisconsin after a semi-truck left the freeway and plunged over a bridge into the Red Cedar River near Menomonie at 3:50 a.m. today.

The State Patrol said a rescue team was called to try to find the driver.

The incident happened just as a heavy snowstorm was entering the area. There was no immediate word as to whether the new snow caused the mishap.

Both eastbound lanes of I-94 were closed at Menomonie, and this morning’s commuter traffic was re-routed on Hwys. 12 and 25. At 8:40 a.m. the State Patrol announced that it has also closed westbound lanes of I-94 at Hwy. 25 due to the accident.

Up to four inches fell in the region by 7 a.m. The area expects to get up to 10 inches by the time the storm clears out tonight.

Tags: area news, accidents, weather