Itasca County (trfnews.i234.me) — A dangerous, alcohol-fueled crash rattled Itasca County early Sunday morning when 24-year-old Arthur Nikolai Rajala of Coleraine, MN, lost control of his Mazda SUV on Highway 169.
According to authorities, Rajala’s 2008 Mazda CX-9 was traveling southbound near mile marker 324 when it suddenly struck the median, swerved across into the northbound lane, and then veered back into the median before finally coming to a stop.
First responders from the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office and Coleraine Police Department rushed to the scene. Rajala, who was NOT wearing a seatbelt, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Grand Itasca Hospital for treatment.
Investigators confirmed that alcohol played a role in the crash. Despite the airbags deploying, the outcome could have been far worse given the violent nature of the crash.
With dry road conditions at the time, officials believe Rajala’s alleged intoxication was the main cause of the accident.
Authorities urge anyone with further details to contact the Virginia District Office at 218-735-3720.
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I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me