No injuries reported in early morning crash involving Amish buggy

Jan. 4, 2025

WESTBY, Wis. — Authorities say no one was injured when a pickup truck struck a horse-drawn buggy early Saturday in rural on U.S. Highway 14 yesterday.

The crash happened around 5:15 a.m. on U.S. Highway 14 near West Smith Road in the Town of Viroqua, according to Sheriff Roy Torgerson. A pickup driven by Russell C. Harless, 67, of Viroqua, was traveling south when it hit the rear of a two-wheel cart operated by Freeman Miller, 53, of rural Westby.

Two children were riding in the cart at the time of the collision. No injuries were reported to the occupants of either vehicle or the horse. Authorities said the cart was equipped with rear-facing amber lights and displayed a slow-moving vehicle sign.

Responding agencies included the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, Westby and Viroqua police departments, Westby First Responders, Viroqua Fire Department and Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance. The crash remains under investigation.