A devastating head-on collision Wednesday evening on State Highway 32/57 in Calumet County has resulted in two fatalities and left another person fighting for their life. The accident occurred shortly before 6:30 p.m. near Shady Lane Drive in the town of Charlestown, prompting an immediate response from the Calumet County Sheriff's Office. According to preliminary investigations, an SUV traveling northbound crossed into opposing traffic and struck a southbound pickup truck head-on. When emergency responders arrived at the scene, both vehicles were found in the southbound lanes. The pickup's occupants—a 73-year-old man who was driving and his 70-year-old female passenger, both residents of the New Holstein area—were transported to a nearby hospital where they later succumbed to their injuries. The SUV driver, identified as a 57-year-old woman from the Chilton area, remains hospitalized in critical condition. The Calumet County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic collision.

Location and Infrastructure

State Highway 32/57 through Charlestown is a vital transportation corridor in Calumet County, connecting the communities of New Holstein and Chilton. The section near Shady Lane Drive features a two-lane highway with moderate traffic volume that increases during peak commuting hours. This rural stretch of roadway passes through predominantly agricultural areas with occasional residential developments and driveways. The posted speed limit in this section typically ranges from 55-65 mph, creating significant force in head-on collisions. The area has few street lights, which may have been a factor as the accident occurred during early evening hours when visibility can be challenging, especially during winter months in Wisconsin. The intersection with Shady Lane Drive represents one of several local access points where turning vehicles may slow suddenly, requiring vigilance from other motorists.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Wisconsin law, victims of motor vehicle accidents and their families have important legal rights to pursue compensation. Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence rule (Wis. Stat. § 895.045), which allows injured parties to recover damages as long as they are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. The state's mandatory auto insurance requirements include minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. Families of the deceased may have grounds for wrongful death claims (Wis. Stat. § 895.03), which must be filed within three years of the date of death. Potential compensation may include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering. The critically injured survivor may be entitled to coverage for ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, and disability accommodations. All affected parties should consult with a personal injury attorney promptly to preserve their rights. An experienced Charlestown personal injury lawyer(link is external) will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources

• Emergency Services: Calumet County Sheriff's Office (920-849-2335), Calumet Medical Center Emergency Department (920-849-3800)
• Traffic Safety Resources: Wisconsin Department of Transportation Highway Safety Program (wisconsindot.gov/safety), Calumet County Highway Department (920-849-1434)
• Victim Support Services: Wisconsin Crime Victims Council (800-446-6564), Calumet County Victim/Witness Assistance Program (920-849-1438)
• Legal Information: Wisconsin State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service (800-362-9082), Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 346 (Rules of the Road) and Chapter 895 (Damages and Liability)