I'm not going to report the makes/models of the cars (pending notification of families affected by the accident)...I will report this:
* two ambulances carried victims in the accident west out of Belgrade on Highway 55, which leads me to believe they were heading to Glenwood. The two left Belgrade within 5 minutes of one another, and the second one left Belgrade at about 10:35pm.
* I counted two cars in the accident - it looks like a broadside or head-on type of accident.
* the damaged cars are being towed away at 11:00pm.
* it appeared to me that one car pulled out off of Highway 71 (heading northwest) while an east-bound car on Highway 55 met them in the accident at that intersection. (With the split of Highway 71 as it meets Highway 55, it's not easy to explain.)
That's all I know as of 11:00pm, and it's bed time. Big day tomorrow with the Elrosa Saints opening up the state tournamet!! (See more on the fan bus below)
*UPDATE: the two cars involved in the crash that happened at about 10:00pm were a Pontiac G6 4-door and a 4-door Nissan Altima. The G6 was driven by 2012 B-B-E graduate Alysa Leedahl of Brooten, who was alone in her car at the time. The Nissan had 3 teenagers in it from Fargo/Moorhead.
All four were transported to Glacial Ridge Health Systems in Glenwood.
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| A view of the accident scene in Belgrade from the south...the Nissan Altima is facing sideways across Highway 55. It appeared that it pulled out in front of the G6 at that intersection (of Hwy 71). The G6 is sitting on Highway 71 facing eastbound, perpendicular to the Altima. |
The father of the B-B-E girl driving the Pontiac posted this to Facebook:
"Last night was one of those that every parent dreads...Alysa was in a car accident and spent the night in the hospital. Thankfully she is ok, as are the passengers in the other vehicle. She has a pretty nasty gash on her head and lots of bruises but will come home today. Thanks for the prayers and please go hug your kids."
After seeing the accident scene first hand I have to say, air bags and seat belts saved four lives in this case.