Heikkila Lake Unorg, Minnesota ( trfnews.i234.me ) – The Minnesota State Patrol reports that a 78-year-old Ely woman was injured Wednesday morning after a collision at the intersection of Highway 53 and Anchor Lake Road in St. Louis County.
The crash occurred around 9:04 a.m. when a 2017 Ford F150 pickup, driven by Barbara Ann Mathews of Ely, attempted to cross northbound Highway 53 from Anchor Lake Road to head southbound. Authorities say the pickup pulled out in front of a northbound 2002 Kenworth tractor-trailer, resulting in a collision in the intersection.
Mathews suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Essentia Virginia Hospital for treatment. The State Patrol noted she was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Airbags in the pickup deployed during the impact.
The semi, driven by Donald William Sazama, 47, of Duluth, was not damaged beyond operability, and Sazama was not injured. Authorities listed his seat belt status as unknown. Alcohol was not a factor in the crash for either driver.
Road conditions were reported as dry at the time of the incident. Agencies assisting at the scene included the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, Eveleth Fire, Eveleth Ambulance, Fayal Fire, and Virginia Ambulance.
The crash highlights the risks of crossing high-speed rural highways, especially at busy intersections. According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, intersection safety remains a top concern across the state’s rural road network.
The Minnesota State Patrol continues to investigate the crash. No further details have been released at this time.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
