Two deadly wrecks on same block, within hours this weekend

MILWAUKEE -- A motorcyclist and a pickup truck driver are dead following two separate accidents on Mitchell Street between Pearl and 18th Streets that occurred within hours of each other on Saturday, September 1st.

The first crash occurred around 5:00 p.m. Saturday. Milwaukee police say a motorcyclist thought he was going to crash, so he laid down his bike near Pearl and Mitchell.

The motorcyclist was then hit by a four-door car that fled the scene. Police are still looking for the driver who hit the motorcyclist.

A few hours later, police say a 36-year-old drunk driver was killed after turning into oncoming traffic to pass a car, hitting a First Pentecostal Church bus.

Three people were on board the bus, including a 12-year-old child. All sustained injuries. They were treated at the hospital and are now recovering at home.

Church members say they heard the crash as services were wrapping up Saturday night.

"We were all upset. We weren't expecting this," Pastor Damaris Marquez said.

"It's a very dangerous spot. I was in the office and we heard the bang. Neighbors were screaming. They were like 'oh my God, it's only been a few hours,'" Michelle Seda said.

Members of the church say the two fatal crashes serve as proof stop signs are not working, and speed limits are not followed.

"It's very scary, especially when the kids start coming out of church, or the people are trying to cross the street," Marquez said.

"There's constantly speeding. We don't really feel safe," Seda said.

Church members hope city leaders make changes to ensure this does not happen again.

"We've been trying to figure out a way to get some action," Seda said.

Police say these two crashes are not related, and lights and signage did not play a roll.

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