A tragic highway collision in Clark County, Wisconsin has claimed the lives of nine individuals and left one person injured, authorities confirm.

The devastating incident, which unfolded on Friday, March 8 near Dewhurst, involved a collision between a semi-truck and a van. The van, carrying nine occupants, tragically saw eight fatalities at the scene, alongside the semi-truck driver. One passenger from the van was rushed to a local hospital for treatment, according to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

Law enforcement responded to the scene just before 7:53 a.m., with initial reports indicating that the van, traveling north on County J, collided with a semi-tractor heading east on State 95, as detailed by the sheriff’s office.

While the highway has since reopened and the crash site has been cleared, crash reconstruction teams are collaborating with authorities to determine the cause of the accident. The identities of the deceased will be disclosed to the public once their families have been notified.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers (D-WI) expressed condolences via X, formerly known as Twitter, extending thoughts and prayers to the affected families.

“Kathy and I are deeply saddened by the fatal crash in Clark County, which tragically claimed nine lives,” Evers shared. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of all involved, as well as the swift-responding first responders.”

The tragic loss also prompted an emotional response from other officials, including Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), who described the incident as “heartbreaking.”

“Incredibly saddened to hear of the heartbreaking news from Clark County,” Baldwin expressed in a post on X. “My thoughts are with the loved ones of the nine lives tragically lost today. Let us stand together in support of their friends, families, and communities during this time of mourning.”

This devastating crash marks the second deadliest recorded in the state, following a 2002 incident where a 45-vehicle collision claimed 10 lives. Additionally, 30 individuals were injured, with seven in critical condition and one in serious condition, as reported by the Watch.

According to data from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Friday’s crash resulted in three times the number of fatalities recorded in Clark County over the previous year.