Semitrailer Crash Spills Hundreds of Beer Kegs on Wisconsin Highway
DODGE COUNTY, Wis. — A semitrailer accident early Wednesday morning left a Wisconsin highway strewn with hundreds of kegs of New Glarus beer, causing a lengthy closure and cleanup effort. According to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, the truck carrying 264 half-barrel kegs veered off northbound U.S. Highway 151 around 6:15 a.m., striking a guardrail before overturning and blocking both lanes of traffic.
The crash occurred between the State Highway 26 off-ramp and on-ramp, forcing officials to close the roadway for several hours. Emergency crews worked diligently to remove the wreckage and collect the beer kegs scattered across the highway. The kegs, all destined for distributors, were recovered and are being returned to New Glarus Brewing Company.
New Glarus Brewing, a renowned Wisconsin-based brewery, confirmed the cargo and expressed relief that injuries were minor. One person sustained minor injuries, and three other vehicles were reported damaged in the incident. The brewery’s spokesperson emphasized the importance of safely returning the kegs to maintain product quality.
Authorities from the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office coordinated the response, ensuring public safety and traffic management during the cleanup. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation provided support with traffic control and roadway clearance.
Incidents involving overturned semitrailers carrying beverage products are rare but can cause significant disruption. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlights that such crashes often require coordinated efforts between local law enforcement, transportation agencies, and the companies involved to restore normal traffic flow.
U.S. Highway 151 is a vital corridor in Wisconsin, connecting various communities and serving as a key route for commercial traffic. The closure affected morning commuters and freight movement until the scene was cleared.
For updates on traffic conditions and road safety, drivers can consult the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and monitor advisories issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office also provides ongoing safety information and incident reports on their official site.
This event serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by commercial truck drivers and the importance of roadway safety measures. It also highlights the logistical complexities breweries face in distributing their products across the region.
Further information on commercial vehicle regulations and safety protocols can be found through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which oversees trucking standards nationwide.
The community expressed a mix of amusement and concern as photos and videos of the beer keg spill circulated on social media, capturing the unusual sight of a highway transformed into a temporary beer depot. Despite the disruption, officials praised the swift response that minimized injuries and restored traffic flow within hours.
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