NEENAH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Deputies are saying the number of emergency responders to Sunday’s chain reaction crash on Interstate 41 was more than they have ever seen.
That includes the Gold Cross Ambulance and local hospitals.
More than a hundred vehicles were smashed and shattered. The deadly chain-reaction is the largest pile-up in the state’s history.
“This was by far, the largest incident for us as well,” said Katie Stuczynski, a Gold Cross Ambulance paramedic supervisor.
Stuczynski tells FOX 11 emergency crews arrived on scene feeling shocked, but there was no time to daze.
“These people are depending on you and you’re supposed to be the answer to them and if you fall apart, nobody’s going be there for them.”
She said the challenges on Sunday seemed endless.
“We had challenges of who was actually really hurt, how do we get them out quickly, how many people do we even have.”
Capt. Lara Vendola, with the Winnebago Co. Sheriff’s Dept, tells FOX 11 crews also had to climb over barriers in the cold to get to cars while white-out conditions distorted their vision.
“Ambulances were full of people standing and waiting for a bus basically to get them off the highway.”
Buses took folks to either a shelter or a hospital.
“Within short order, we had 4 trauma surgeons here, 2 nurse surgeons, 2 orthopedic surgeons, 4 emergency physicians,” said Dr. David Schultz of Thedacare-Neenah.
Of the 71 total patients treated, 25 patients were treated at Thedacare Neenah. Eleven went to the Appleton location.
“Majority of patients with minor injuries had bumps and scrapes, a couple fractures and one internal injury,” said Schultz.
He said the hospital’s patients will be okay, giving credit to the community.
“You’re pretty speechless on it all and can’t help it but feel gracious for everybody that was there that day,” Stucyznski added.
Many of the vehicles have been impounded at the City of Neenah Tullar Road site.
The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office is still working to piece together details to allow for a release of vehicles.
