MINERAL POINT Wis. – Two firefighters died when their fire engine was struck by an 18-wheel truck in southwest Wisconsin. Killed were Captain Brian C. Busch, 43, and his firefighter passenger James M. Ludlum, 69. They were crossing an emergency crossover on U.S. 151 a mile north of Mineral Point. Their fire engine was hit sand explode in flames. The semi-tractor truck was northbound toward Madison. The driver was not hurt, but his truck as damaged seriously. The accident was just after midnight.
Stillness at dawn. U.S. Highway 151 was blocked for wreckers to clear the burned-up fire truck. The route connects central Iowa and Lake Michigan at Manitowoc.
Ludlum. With fire department 37 years.
Ludlum. A fireman since age 18.