A 42-year-old Eau Claire woman was taken to a hospital Sunday evening after escaping a vehicle that caught fire following a rollover crash in southern Dunn County.
The Dunn County Sheriff's Office said the crash was reported at about 6:07 p.m. on Nov. 1 on State Highway 85 near 760th Street in the Township of Peru. An automated crash detection notification from an iPhone reached the county communications center first, followed by a 911 call reporting the crash and a vehicle fire.
Investigators said the vehicle was traveling eastbound when it failed to negotiate a curve, entered the ditch and became airborne for about 135 feet before overturning in a nearby field. The vehicle caught fire almost immediately and was quickly engulfed in flames.
The driver, who was the only person in the vehicle, was able to get out and was helped to safety by a passing motorist who stopped at the scene. She was transported for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
The sheriff's office said the driver was cited for operating while under the influence and failure to maintain control of a vehicle. The citations are allegations. Dunn County deputies and first responders, the Durand Fire Department and Durand Ambulance Service responded, with assistance from the Pepin County Sheriff's Office.
