TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR

On Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at just before 3:15 p.m., a two-vehicle crash occurred on the south side of the intersection of STH 64/E. Main St. and Pine Ridge Ave. on Merrill’s east side. The impact caused one vehicle to flip onto its side.

“It was clear one of the drivers had driven through a red light; however, both claimed they had a green light,” the Merrill Police Department (MPD) weekly report said.

“Both drivers indicated they possessed the green traffic light, and this causal factor is currently under investigation,” MPD Police Chief Corey Bennett confirmed.

“It appears one driver (a 79-year-old female) was southbound through the intersection and the other driver (a 40-year-old male) was eastbound on STH 64/E. Main St.,” he said. “A crash occurred rolling the minivan onto the driver’s side in the southeast corner of the intersection. The driver of the minivan was entrapped in the vehicle and was ultimately extricated by Merrill Fire Department (MFD).”

“Medic 62, Medic 63, and Engine 61 responded,” MFD Battalion Chief Phillip Skoug said. “Upon arrival, crews were able to stabilize the vehicle on its side and extricate the patient from the vehicle.”

The 79-year-old woman was transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital via EMS for treatment and for further evaluation of her injuries.

“The lone occupant of the other vehicle was evaluated by EMS and refused transport,” Skoug said.

“Both vehicles were removed by a towing service,” Bennett said.

“Traffic control was established by MPD, MFD, and Merrill Street Department in the vicinity, and Pine Ridge Ave. south of STH 64 was closed for access,” he said. “Merrill Street Department also responded to the scene with a street sweeper to remove glass and debris after the vehicles were removed.”

“Additionally, while scene duties were underway, a separate minor rear-end crash occurred on the northeast corner of the intersection,” Bennett added.