Motorcyclist injured in Vernon County crash

Motorcycle, van caught fire after collision

VERNON COUNTY, Wis. (WKBT) — A motorcyclist was injured after colliding with a van on Sunday morning on Black River Road west of Hornby Road in the Town of Franklin.

The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office said Gale L. Olson, 74, of Viroqua was going eastbound on Black River Road making a left turn into the Liberty Pole Cemetery at about 11:10 a.m. Authorities said Dustin M. Helgerson, 25, of Viroqua, was going westbound and was coming over the hill and was unable to stop.  Both vehicles then caught fire after they collided.

Helgerson was wearing a helmet. He was transported by Tri-State Ambulance to Vernon Memorial Hospital. Helgerson was later flown to Gundersen Health System in La Crosse by Med-Link Air.

Olson was wearing his seatbelt and reported no injuries.