Woman killed in two-car crash
JANESVILLE — One person died and four others were injured in a two-car accident Friday afternoon at highways 11 and 51, according to a news release from the Rock County Sheriff’s Office.
Debra Anderson, 47, of rural Orfordville, was pronounced dead at the scene by Rock County Deputy Coroner Chris Hawley.
Anderson’s 9-year-old granddaughter, who was a front seat passenger in the car, had to be extricated from the vehicle. She was transported to Mercy Hospital in Janesville, then airlifted to Children’s Hospital in Wauwatosa. Her condition was unavailable at press time.
The other vehicle was driven by Mark Ryan, 35, of Janesville. He was accompanied by his 14-month-old son, and his 4-year-old son. All three were transported to Mercy Hospital. Their conditions also were unavailable at press time.
According to the news release:
Just before 2 p.m., a 1991 Ford Tempo driven by Anderson was southbound on Highway 51 when she entered the intersection on a red light and was broadsided by a 2007 Dodge Ram Quad driven by Ryan. Ryan was westbound on Highway 11 and had a green light.
The Tempo slid and hit a traffic control signal. The truck flipped or rolled and landed on its passenger side.
Both vehicles came to rest in the eastbound lanes of Highway 11.
Rock County Sheriff’s deputies were on the scene within two minutes, and Janesville firefighters and paramedics followed quickly.
Neither Anderson nor her granddaughter appeared to be wearing safety belts, the news release said.
Ryan’s 4-year-old and 14-month-old sons were both in the truck and were seated in child safety restraints.
Speed does not appear to be a factor in the accident. It is unknown at this time if alcohol was a factor in the accident.
About 20 firefighters and sheriff’s deputies remained at the scene after the crash, cleaning up from the accident.
Several onlookers walked over from homes and businesses to view the scene.
John Krafjack, who lives two houses from the intersection, said he heard the collision from inside his house.
“There have been so many accidents down here,” he said.
