2 Children Killed, 3 Hurt In Western Wis. Crash

PRESCOTT, Wis. (WCCO/AP) -- A western Wisconsin family is grieving after a crash Thursday afternoon left two children dead and three others wounded following a collision between an SUV and a truck.

Authorities say an 11-year-old girl who was in the SUV died at the scene of the crash, which happened on Highway 35 in Prescott, Wis. Another 5-year-old girl in the SUV was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Emergency crews brought the SUV's driver and two other young passengers to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minn., for treatment.

A statement on a CaringBridge website identifies the driver as 32-year-old Kari Milberg, of Centuria,Wis., and says her 11-year-old daughter, Lydia, was the girl who died at the scene. The 5-year-old girl who died at the hospital was one of Milberg's nieces.

The statement also says that Milberg and another one of her nieces are in critical condition at Regions. Both are said to have brain swelling and are undergoing surgery.

Authorities say three people in the truck were not injured. 

Pierce County Sheriff Nancy Hove said Friday road conditions were not a factor in the crash. 

"It appears [Milberg] for some reason had lost control going sideways into the lane of the truck. At that point, she was spun several times before the car came to a rest," Hove said.

It's not known if Milberg was wearing a seat belt, but she was thrown from the SUV. The kids were all strapped in. 

Hove said there aren't many accident on Highway 35 and it is believed Milberg was heading to see a relative. 

The sheriff described the crash as being "very traumatic" for the community and the deputies and emergency workers who responded.  

"It's a holiday season," she said. "You hate to see anything like this happen in the holiday season." 

The crash is still under investigation. 

The families affected are asking for prayers, the CaringBridge statement says. Donations are also being excepted. 

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