Elba, WI (April 20, 2025) – A tragic crash occurred Friday night on US Highway 151 near Elba, resulting in one fatality and three injuries. At approximately 11:00 PM, the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office received reports of a Toyota Rav4 traveling south in the northbound lanes of US 151. Minutes later, authorities were informed that the vehicle collided head-on with another car, causing the Rav4 to roll several times.
The driver of the Rav4, a 22-year-old woman from Beaver Dam, was pronounced dead at the scene. Two 17-year-old passengers in her vehicle were injured and taken to local hospitals—one to Prairie Ridge in Columbus and the other to UW-Health in Madison. The driver of the other vehicle, a 37-year-old woman from Fond du Lac, also sustained injuries and was transported to Prairie Ridge.
Emergency responders from several agencies, including the Dodge County Emergency Response Team, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and various local fire departments, assisted at the scene. The crash is under investigation by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office and the Dodge County Crash Investigation Team. Our thoughts are with the families affected by this devastating accident.
Wrong-Way Collisions and Highway Safety
Wrong-way crashes, like the one on US 151, are among the most dangerous types of accidents due to the high-speed head-on impact. These incidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities, as was the case on Friday night. In rural and suburban areas, where highways like US 151 are commonly used for high-speed travel, the risk of such crashes increases if drivers unknowingly enter the wrong lanes.
Emergency crews responded swiftly to manage the situation and ensure that the injured were safely transported for care. The incident underscores the need for heightened vigilance on roadways, particularly on busy highways where speed and visibility challenges exist.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a crash, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.