PHOTOS: Waupun authorities respond to slippery situation

On the early afternoon of Friday, March 20, 2026, a semi hauling food grade cooking oil had a fitting on the tanker portion malfunction, causing a signigicant amount of oil to spill out onto the roadway.

The leak started on the off ramp for 151 southbound at Highway 49 and then extended to the intersection of E. Main and Shaler/Gateway Drive in the City of Waupun.

Due to traffic, the oil was tracked west on Main Street to Young Street, south on Shaler Drive to E. Jefferson Street, and north on Gateway Drive to Kelly Avenue.

There was approximately 100 gallons of oil that was spilled. In total, 150 bags, or 3000 pounds, of oil dry was put down and the Waupun Department of Public Works crews also used a truck with a salt spreader, to help put sand down in the area.

There was a secondary crash involving one vehicle. The oil spill is believed to have been a contributing factor.

Oil dry was left on the roadway so that traffic can work it in. DPW crews will return on Monday to sweep up the leftover debris.

The Waupun Fire Department was assisted by the Waupun DPW, Waupun Police Department, the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Department, and the Fond du Lac County Communications Center.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WAUPUN FIRE DEPARTMENT