Second person dies from injuries after wrong-way crash on I-39/90 near Deforest – WMTV 15 NEWS

Incident Report: Fatal Traffic Collision and its Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Incident Summary

A fatal multi-vehicle collision occurred on Interstate 39/90 near DeForest, Wisconsin. The incident, which took place shortly after midnight on a Sunday, involved a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction, leading to a head-on crash and subsequent fire.

• Location: Interstate 39/90, near DeForest, Wisconsin
• Incident Type: Wrong-way, head-on vehicle collision
• Resulting Factors: Vehicle fire, entrapment, multiple casualties

2.0 Parties Involved and Casualties

The collision resulted in two fatalities and the arrest of one individual. The details are as follows:

• Deceased: A 19-year-old male driver from Clara City, Minnesota.
• Deceased: Hallie Helgeson, a teenager from Minnesota.
• Arrested: Noelia Martinez Avila, a 30-year-old woman from Portage, Wisconsin, was arrested on suspicion of causing the crash while operating a vehicle under the influence.

The Wisconsin State Patrol is conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident.

3.0 Analysis in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This incident directly contravenes the objectives of several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting critical challenges in public health, infrastructure safety, and justice.

3.1 SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The event represents a significant failure to meet targets associated with public health and safety.

1. Target 3.6: This goal aims to halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents. The two preventable deaths in this crash are a direct setback to the achievement of this target on a local level.
2. Public Health Crisis: Fatal traffic collisions are a leading cause of premature death. This incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced measures to protect lives and promote well-being on public roadways.
3. Substance Abuse: The alleged involvement of an intoxicated driver points to the broader public health challenge of substance abuse, a key area of concern within SDG 3.

3.2 SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The safety and sustainability of transport systems are central to this goal.

• Target 11.2: This target calls for access to safe, affordable, and sustainable transport systems for all, with a specific focus on improving road safety. A wrong-way, head-on collision demonstrates a critical lapse in the safety of the transportation infrastructure.
• System Vulnerability: The incident exposes vulnerabilities in road design and driver behavior monitoring that undermine the creation of sustainable and safe communities.

3.3 SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The response to the collision engages the principles of justice and institutional accountability.

• Institutional Action: The response by the Wisconsin State Patrol, including the investigation and subsequent arrest, exemplifies the function of strong institutions in upholding the rule of law.
• Access to Justice: The ongoing investigation and legal proceedings are essential for providing justice for the victims and holding responsible parties accountable, which is a cornerstone of SDG 16.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: This goal aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The article directly addresses this goal by reporting on a fatal car crash that resulted in the death of two individuals. Road traffic accidents are a significant public health concern, causing premature deaths and injuries, which are central themes of SDG 3.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 3.6: Halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents. The article’s entire focus is on the consequences of a road traffic accident, including two fatalities (“A second person is dead”). The incident described, involving a head-on collision, a wrong-way driver, and alleged drunk driving, represents the exact type of event this target aims to prevent and reduce.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 3.6.1: Death rate due to road traffic injuries. The article provides direct data for this indicator by stating the number of fatalities. The report that “a second person is dead” and the identification of the victims are data points that contribute to the overall statistics on deaths from road traffic injuries. The mention of the cause, such as a driver being “arrested for allegedly driving drunk,” also points to a key risk factor that is monitored to reduce the death rate.

4. Table of Findings

Source: wmtv15news.com