Elderon, WI (May 4, 2026) – At least three people were injured Saturday afternoon following a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 29 near Elderon, according to early reports.
The crash occurred just before 4:00 p.m. in the westbound lanes near Silver Birch Circle, east of Wausau. Authorities said the incident involved three vehicles, including a van carrying six occupants.
Emergency responders from Hatley were among the first to arrive, with multiple agencies later assisting at the scene. Initial reports indicated that at least one person was unconscious following the collision, though officials have not confirmed the full extent of injuries.
All injured individuals were treated at the scene before being transported for further medical care.
Westbound traffic was temporarily blocked, causing congestion and slowing emergency access to the crash site. The roadway was reopened approximately 30 minutes after the incident.
Officials have not released details on what caused the crash, and the investigation remains ongoing.
We are thinking of everyone affected and wish the injured a full recovery.
How Multi-Vehicle Crashes Can Escalate Quickly on Highways
Multi-vehicle crashes often happen rapidly, especially on highways where vehicles are traveling at higher speeds and following distances may be reduced. Once the first impact occurs, additional vehicles may not have enough time or space to avoid the scene, leading to a chain-reaction collision.
The presence of multiple occupants and vehicles can also increase the complexity of emergency response. First responders must quickly assess injuries, prioritize treatment, and coordinate transport across multiple patients, which can take additional time in busy roadway conditions.
Even when crashes are cleared relatively quickly, the initial impact can create serious injuries due to forceful impacts and sudden stops. Maintaining safe following distances and staying alert to changing traffic conditions are key to reducing the risk of these types of incidents.
