Two Dead, Two Children Injured in Head-On Collision in Park Rapids
PARK RAPIDS, MN — A head-on crash on Highway 71 resulted in two fatalities and two injuries late Sunday evening.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the collision occurred around 8:15 p.m. near Albert Avenue South. A northbound Ford F-150 crossed the center line and collided head-on with a Kia Telluride.
Both drivers, identified as a 39-year-old woman and a 45-year-old man, both from Park Rapids, were pronounced dead at the scene. A 13-year-old girl in the Kia sustained life-threatening injuries, while a 5-year-old boy in the truck was injured but is expected to survive.
Emergency responders transported both children to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Authorities said the cause of the crash is under investigation, but preliminary findings suggest the driver of the truck may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision.
The roadway was temporarily closed for investigation and cleanup, with further updates expected as the investigation continues.