BELOIT-The Wisconsin State Patrol suspects a race between three drivers on Interstate 90/39 on Wednesday night led to a fiery crash and a death.
The crash occurred around 9:50 p.m., and traffic was rerouted until 6:06 a.m. today, according to the state patrol.
The driver of a 1997 Acura died at the scene, the state patrol reported.
Rock County Coroner Jenifer Keach said investigators believe they know the identity of the victim, and the man's family has been contacted. She said the man they believe was the driver is from "the stateline area."
Keach declined to be more specific. She said the man's identity might not be confirmed for some time because of the condition of the body.
The car collided with a semitrailer truck driven by Clayton Witt, 25, of Fort Worth, Texas. Witt was treated and released at Beloit Memorial Hospital.
The State patrol reports that the Acura was speeding south on the Interstate near Beloit. The car was being driven "in a reckless manner; it is believed that the driver was racing with two other vehicles."
The driver lost control, crossed the median and was struck by the northbound semi. Both vehicles came to rest in the right-side ditch of the westbound lanes, where they burst into flames, according to the report.
Keach said an autopsy may be scheduled for today. Her office is looking into whether dental records or DNA should be used.
"It may be days to even weeks if we have to go with DNA," Keach said.
Westbound traffic was diverted to Interstate 43, Highway 140, Highway 11/14 and then back onto I-90/39.
