1 killed, 2 hospitalized with critical injuries after firetruck crashes in southwest Minnesota

Fatal firetruck crash in southwest MinnesotaOne person died and two others suffered apparent serious injuries after a firetruck crash Friday night in southwestern Minnesota.

One person died and two others suffered apparent serious injuries after a firetruck crash Friday night in southwestern Minnesota.

The Yellow Medicine County Sheriff’s Office says the crash was first reported shortly after 6:30 p.m. Friday along 490th Street near 160th Avenue.

First responders arrived at the scene and found that a Wood Lake firetruck was flipped onto its side in the ditch.

A 43-year-old passenger ended up trapped under the truck and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the sheriff’s office. The sheriff’s office has since identified him as Patrick Steven Remiger, of Wood Lake.

Additionally, 37-year-old Andrew Vanhecke and a 6-year-old boy were taken to a hospital and airlifted to another medical center for treatment. They both have injuries that are considered life-threatening, per the State Patrol.

The Minnesota State Patrol says is investigating the crash but says early information suggests the firetruck was headed north when it rolled and entered the ditch. None of the victims were wearing seat belts at the time.

A State Patrol crash report also notes that alcohol is believed to have been involved.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS has reached out to Wood Lake, the State Patrol and sheriff’s office for more information, including clarification of whether or not Remiger and Vanhecke were both firefighters, as believed.

Authorities say the firetruck and those inside were in Cottonwood taking part in the Lakeview homecoming events.

A post from the Wood Lake Fire Department just before the crash included pictures of the celebration, which included members of the fire department.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS will continue to track this story and provide any updates on air and online.

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The post 1 killed, 2 hospitalized with critical injuries after firetruck crashes in southwest Minnesota first appeared on KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News.