Pine County (trfnews.i234.me) — A fatal accident occurred late Wednesday morning on Highway 48 in Barry Township, Pine County, resulting in the death of a local resident. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, 67-year-old Gary Eugene Thompson of Hinckley was driving westbound in his 1998 Ford F150 when he lost control on the snow-covered roadway. His vehicle slid into the path of an eastbound 2007 Peterbilt semi-truck, leading to a head-on collision.
The impact sent Thompson’s pickup off the north side of the highway, while the semi veered into the south ditch. Tragically, Thompson was not wearing a seatbelt and was pronounced dead at the scene. The semi-truck driver, identified as 50-year-old Corey William Klehr from Pine City, was unharmed and had been wearing his seatbelt.
Emergency responders from the Pine County Sheriff’s Office, Hinckley Fire Department, Essentia Ambulance, and Mille Lacs Tribal authorities attended the scene. The Minnesota State Patrol continues to investigate the incident.
Did you know? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belts reduce the risk of death for drivers and front-seat passengers by 45% in cars and by 60% in light trucks. Always wearing a seatbelt significantly increases your chances of surviving a crash.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News.