Seven people are injured after a three vehicle accident in Shawano County.
According to a news release, the call came in at 4:13. It happened on U.S. Highway 45 near the intersection of Cedar Road, just south of Birnamwood.
Investigators say a pickup truck driven by Paul Radtke, 38, of Appleton was traveling southbound on the highway. They say he attempted to pass another pickup truck driven by Jeffrey Goodwin, 48, of Silver Lake. As he was passing, Radtke lost control of his truck, hitting the vehicle driven by Goodwin, after hitting an SUV driven by John Spoehr, 41, of Birnamwood head on. After the accident, Radtke's vehicle started on fire. Motorists in the area put the fire out by shoveling snow on it.
Radtke was injured in the crash along with Tammy Radtke, 34, also of Appleton, and a one year old child. Spoehr was injured in the SUV along with three children ages 14, 9, and 2. Their conditions aren't known at this time. Goodwin was not injured in the crash and was released from the scene.
The Shawano County Sheriff's Department, Birnamwood Fire Department, Wittenberg Fire Department, ambulances from Birnamwood, Wittenberg, Mattoon, and Antigo all responded.
The crash remains under investigation, however alcohol does not appear to be a factor. The Shawano County Sheriff's Department is urging all motorists to use extreme caution when traveling throughout the next 24 hours as road conditions are rapidly changing and many roads are completely ice covered. All non-necessary travel should be avoided. If you do have to travel, plan for extra travel time and slow down.
