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MILWAUKEE, Milwaukee County, Wis., Sept. 14, 2026 — One person died, and two others were injured in a crash early on Saturday morning, September 12, in Milwaukee, according to authorities.
The crash happened at about 2:15 a.m. in the 2000 block of West Locust Street, police said. A vehicle heading west had stopped at a red light and reportedly pulled into the intersection after the signal turned green. A second vehicle then entered the intersection on a red light and struck the first vehicle.
The driver of the first vehicle, reported to be 25, was taken to a hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. The driver of the second vehicle, reported to be 22, was pronounced dead at the hospital. A passenger in that vehicle, reported to be 23, was treated for injuries also described as non-life-threatening.
The crash remains under investigation. Authorities have asked anyone with information to come forward, and anonymous tips are being accepted through Crime Stoppers.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
Where Red-Light and Intersection Crashes Cluster
Serious intersection crashes tend to concentrate at a handful of predictable spots: wide urban arterials with multiple through lanes, intersections timed for heavy traffic flow rather than driver reaction time, and crossings where a driver has to judge oncoming speed with limited visibility. A vehicle entering against a red light gives the cross-traffic driver almost no time to react, especially where posted speeds are 30 mph or higher.
Overnight hours add another layer. Traffic volume drops, but so does the number of witnesses and the likelihood that other drivers are watching for a signal violation. Fewer headlights on the road can also make it harder to judge how fast a crossing vehicle is moving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 40,901 people were killed in motor-vehicle traffic crashes in 2023. Intersection crashes, including those in which a driver runs a red light, account for a significant share of fatal crashes in urban areas nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do fatal crashes most often happen?
Data consistently show a concentration at intersections, particularly those without protected turn signals or with high posted speeds, as well as on rural undivided highways where head-on crashes occur.
What makes a crash more likely to be fatal?
Speed at impact, the angle of collision, and whether occupants were belted are the biggest factors. T-bone and head-on impacts tend to be more severe than rear-end collisions.
How much does speed affect survivability?
Even modest increases in speed sharply raise crash forces. A crash at 40 mph is far more likely to be fatal than one at 25 mph, because the energy involved rises with the square of speed.
Why does seat belt use matter so much?
Belts keep occupants from being thrown into the steering wheel, dashboard, or out of the vehicle entirely, and they cut the risk of death in a crash roughly in half.
What to Do After a Red-Light Intersection Crash in Milwaukee, WI
If you're involved in an intersection crash, call 911 right away and stay put if it's safe to do so. Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a medical provider, because some symptoms from a collision don't show up until hours later.
Exchange information with the other driver, take photos of vehicle positions and any visible signal or road damage, and note the names of any witnesses before they leave. File a police report if officers aren't already on scene, and keep a copy for your records. If you or someone you were with was hurt, follow up with a doctor even after initial treatment, and keep track of any medical visits related to the crash.
