Madison, Wis. – A devastating single-vehicle crash early Saturday morning has left three people dead, one man in critical condition, and a dog killed, according to the Madison Police Department.
The tragic incident occurred on Cross Country Road and resulted in an hours-long road closure as investigators worked to determine what caused the deadly rollover.
Crash Reported Around 1:30 A.M.
Authorities said the crash happened shortly after 1:30 a.m. on November 8, when multiple 911 callers reported a vehicle rollover on Cross Country Road in Madison. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, finding the car heavily damaged and debris scattered across the roadway.
Officers immediately closed off portions of Cross Country Road for nearly eight hours as they investigated. The Madison Police Department’s Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit was called in to analyze the crash site and gather evidence.
Vehicle Traveling at High Speed Before Rolling Over
Preliminary findings indicate that the vehicle was heading eastbound at a high rate of speed before the driver lost control, causing the car to roll multiple times. The force of the crash reportedly ejected all four occupants from the vehicle, none of whom were wearing seatbelts at the time, according to investigators.
Tragically, three of the four individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, while one person survived with life-threatening injuries.
Victims Identified
Officials identified the deceased victims as:
- A 31-year-old woman
- A 43-year-old woman
- A 51-year-old man
In addition to the human fatalities, a small dog that was inside the vehicle also died in the crash.
The sole survivor, a 39-year-old man, was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries. As of 11:37 a.m. on Monday, November 10, the man remains in critical condition, according to police updates.
Alcohol and Speed Suspected Factors
Investigators believe that speed and possible impairment played significant roles in the fatal accident. Officials said the group had been at a tavern in the area shortly before the crash occurred.
“Based on preliminary evidence, we believe that speed and driving impairment were both contributing factors,” a Madison Police Department spokesperson said. “It’s also believed that none of the occupants were wearing seatbelts, which likely worsened the outcome.”
Toxicology results are pending as investigators continue to examine whether alcohol or drugs were involved.
Authorities are urging drivers to slow down, avoid driving under the influence, and always wear seatbelts, emphasizing how these simple actions can save lives.
The Madison Police Department has not yet released the names of the victims pending notification of their families.
Ongoing Investigation
As of Monday, investigators continue to piece together the timeline of events leading up to the crash. The roadway has since been reopened, but police say the case remains active and more details will be released once the full investigation is complete.
Officials are asking anyone with additional information or who may have witnessed the crash to contact the Madison Police Department.
Do you believe stronger DUI enforcement and public awareness campaigns could prevent tragedies like this?
Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know what safety measures you think could make Madison’s roads safer for everyone.
