Survivor remembers deadliest crash in Wisconsin history
By: Donald Robinson
Updated: October 11, 2012
Sheboygan County, Wis.(WFRV)--Ten years ago, the worst accident in Wisconsin history took place on Interstate 43 in Sheboygan County - near the Ozaukee County line.
Today was a chance for survivors and others who worked the scene to reflect and look back.
Don Christianson is one of 39 people who survived a 50 vehicle crash near the southern county line in Sheboygan County back in October of 2002.
Says Christianson, "I'm lucky to be alive, I know that. It was hard, but I survived."
Don was in a drug-induced coma for 133 days after his pick-up truck hit the semi-trailer in front of him and another vehicle hit him from behind.
That's when his truck exploded and 40 percent of his body was burned.
Don says most of his body was healed by the time he came out of the coma.
Eleven people died in the crash along that stretch of I-43. Fog blanketed that area of the roadway that day in October of 2002, while the rest of the county enjoyed sunshine.
A cross stands at the location of the crash.
Many people realize that anyone traveling that stretch of road that day could have been a victim of the fog.
Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department Captain Cory Roeseler was there that day to respond to the crash.
Says Capt. Roeseler, " I guess one of the problems is that there's no one to blame. A lot of times, we try to find a reason for the accident and a way to improve, but in this situation, you went into it knowing they didn't have a chance."
Don Christianson knows he's been given a second chance, and is just happy to be alive.
Says Don, "It didn't change me that much. There was not much that bothered me before, and now, there's a lot less."
Don says he's made friends with many of the people affected by the crash, including some EMS workers.
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