Vernon County, Wisconsin – A serious two-vehicle crash at a well-known high-risk intersection in Vernon County left four people injured, two of them critically, prompting renewed discussion about long-term safety improvements. The collision occurred at the intersection of Highway 14, Highway 27, and County T in Franklin Township, an area with a history of severe and fatal accidents.
Authorities say the crash happened at approximately 1:15 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, and required multiple emergency agencies to respond, including air medical transport for one victim.
Incident Overview
According to the Vernon County Sheriff’s Department, the crash involved two vehicles traveling in opposite directions on Highway 14. Investigators say a left-turn maneuver led to a direct collision, causing significant injuries and extensive emergency response efforts.
One of the vehicles came to rest in the roadway, while the other left the highway entirely and stopped on a steep embankment, narrowly missing a roadside memorial marking a previous fatal crash at the same location.
Timeline of Events
At 1:15 p.m., emergency dispatchers received reports of a collision at the busy rural intersection. First responders arrived to find two damaged vehicles and multiple injured occupants.
Rescue and stabilization efforts continued at the scene as medical teams assessed the severity of injuries and coordinated ground and air transport to regional hospitals.
Details From Law Enforcement
The sheriff’s department identified the southbound driver as James H. Close, 60, of La Crosse, who was attempting to turn left onto County T from Highway 14. During the turn, his vehicle collided with a northbound vehicle driven by John C. Burton, 65, of Lancaster.
Investigators believe Close did not see the oncoming Burton vehicle before initiating the turn.
The impact caused Close’s vehicle to stop in one of the northbound lanes on Highway 14. Burton’s vehicle traveled off the east side of the roadway and came to rest upright on a steep embankment, where it had to be stabilized by the Viroqua Fire Department.
More details were shared by the sheriff’s department, as reported on its official website: https://www.vernoncounty.org/sheriff.
Injuries and Medical Response
John C. Burton was transported by the Kickapoo Rescue Squad to Vernon Memorial Healthcare and later released.
His passenger, Marcia M. Burton, 63, of Lancaster, suffered more serious injuries. She was taken by Tri-State Ambulance to the Viroqua Airport and flown by Gundersen Air helicopter to Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, where she was listed in stable condition as of Sunday morning.
James Close and his passenger, Jerry Close, 66, of Mindoro, were transported by Readstown EMS to Vernon Memorial Healthcare. Jerry Close was released, while James Close was later transferred to Gundersen Health System for further treatment.
Authorities confirmed that seat belts were in use and air bags deployed in both vehicles at the time of the crash.
Witness and Official Statements
Vernon County Sheriff John Spears later addressed ongoing concerns surrounding the intersection.
“This intersection has been the scene of numerous accidents over the years, including fatal crashes,” Spears said.
He also confirmed that the Burton vehicle narrowly missed running over a cross placed near the roadway in memory of a previous crash victim.
Ongoing Safety Concerns and Possible Solutions
Sheriff Spears said the crash reignited public discussion over potential infrastructure changes, including the possibility of installing a roundabout to slow traffic and reduce collision severity.
“A roundabout like the one at Highway 27 and Highway 33 in Cashton could significantly reduce the risk here,” Spears noted, adding that funding remains the primary obstacle.
He explained that Vernon County faces a long list of infrastructure needs, with limited financial resources available for major roadway redesigns.
Investigation Status and Public Safety Reminder
The crash remains under investigation by the Vernon County Sheriff’s Department. No citations or charges have been announced at this time.
Officials are reminding drivers to use extra caution at rural intersections, especially those with high traffic speeds and limited sightlines. Even familiar routes can become dangerous when assumptions are made or visibility is reduced.
Conclusion
Saturday’s crash underscores the persistent danger at the Highway 14, Highway 27, and County T intersection and highlights the human cost of roadway design challenges. While all four victims survived, the incident has renewed calls for long-term safety solutions to prevent future tragedies.
If you regularly travel through this area or have concerns about dangerous intersections in your community, your perspective matters. Share your experiences in the comments below.
