WALKER, MN — Six people were hurt Thursday afternoon when two vehicles collided on Highway 371 in Shingobee Township, north of Walker. The Minnesota State Patrol says the crash happened at 2:43 p.m. after a Toyota Venza turned toward County Highway 38 and failed to yield to a southbound Ram 1500.
The impact was head-on. The State Patrol said the road was dry at the time.
Injuries and hospitals
The Toyota driver, Suzanne Marie Erion, 81, of Laporte, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Sanford Bemidji Medical Center. Her passenger, Cheyton James Ryckman, 12, of Laporte, was also hurt and was taken to CentraCare St. Cloud Hospital.
Three children riding in the Ram were injured as well. Bentley James Fitch, 13, Emmery Lee Fitch, 11, and Jasper Trevor Fitch, 5, were all taken to CHI St. Joseph’s Health in Park Rapids with non-life-threatening injuries.
Other people involved
Candace Marie Mailhot, 55, of Fairbanks, Alaska, was a passenger in the Ram and suffered non-life-threatening injuries. She was taken to Sanford Medical Center in Fargo.
The Ram’s driver, Joshua John Mailhot, 44, was not reported injured. Authorities did not release any other details about the extent of the damage or whether citations were issued.
Agencies that assisted
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Walker police and fire departments, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation all assisted at the scene. North Memorial Health Ambulance and Sanford Air Medical Service also responded.
The crash remains under investigation by the Minnesota State Patrol.
From the Twin Cities to the border and back, Travel Your Way keeps Minnesota informed.