May 20, 2025
GENOA, Wis. – Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports on Thursday afternoon, May 15, at approximately 2:00 p.m. the Sheriff’s Office received a report of single-vehicle crash that occurred on North Ridge Road, rural Genoa, in the Town of Harmony.
According to the Sheriff’s report, 68-year-old Matthew J. Kirichkow of rural Genoa was operating a small pickup and driving east when it appeared he suffered a medical event. The vehicle left the roadway and struck a utility pole.
The Genoa-Harmony Fire Department, Genoa-Harmony First Responders, and Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance were dispatched to the scene by the Sheriff’s Office. Matthew Kirichkow was treated on scene and there was no ambulance transport. Kirichkow was wearing a seatbelt and there was no airbag deployment.
The crash resulted in downed power lines and a subsequent outage. Crews from Vernon Electric
Cooperative worked to restore power in approximately two hours. Sheriff Torgerson contacted
Vernon Electric CEO Craig Buros for a statement.
“Thankfully, no serious injuries occurred; however, this incident is a vital reminder of the
dangers associated with downed power lines and damaged electrical equipment,” Buros said. “If you ever see a downed line, always assume it is energized and stay far away.”
The Sheriff’s Office and Vernon Electric Cooperative urge you to keep the following safety tips in
mind:
- Stay inside your vehicle if a power line falls on or near it and call 911.
- Never attempt to move a downed line or touch anything in contact with it.
- If you’re a witness to an accident involving electric facilities, alert emergency services and
the electric provider immediately. Keep yourself and others a safe distance away until utility
workers ensure that the scene is safe of electrical hazards.
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