Plummer (trfnews.i234.me) — A Thief River Falls School District van collided with a semi on Monday afternoon in Plummer. No injuries were reported after the crash. Some students were expected to get checked at a hospital as a precaution.
The crash happened on Highway 59. Authorities said Amber Lynn Severson, 40, of Thief River Falls, was driving a 2020 Ford van northbound. She was transporting students from a school activity. Phillip Cloud and nine students were riding in the van. Everyone in the van was wearing a seat belt.
The other vehicle was a 2012 Kenworth semi. Kurt Garrett Herdering, 25, of Melrose, was driving. The semi was hauling an oversized load. That load included a large farm tractor. Herdering was also wearing a seat belt.
How the Crash Happened
According to the report, the school van was traveling behind the semi before the collision. Severson then tried to pass the truck. At the same time, Herdering turned left into Red River Ag. The vehicles then collided.
Investigators said the semi had a flashing left turn signal. Still, the report said the signal may have been hard to see. Other flashing lights on the oversized load may have blocked it from view. Authorities said no citations will be issued.
Damage and Emergency Response
The school van was totaled in the crash. The semi had moderate damage. The call came in at about 1:38 p.m. Emergency crews responded quickly. The Plummer Fire Department and the Minnesota State Patrol went to the scene.
Thief River Falls School District staff were involved because the van was being used for student travel. Oklee Ambulance was also sent to the scene. It was later canceled. Fire crews determined there were no reported injuries.
The crash drew concern because students were inside the vehicle. Still, officials said all passengers were buckled up. That likely helped prevent more serious harm. The report also noted that the oversized load and its warning lights played a key role in what happened.
The crash remains a reminder for drivers to use extra care around oversized loads, especially during turns and passing attempts on busy highways.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.