On Saturday, December 30th, 2023, at approximately 0605 A.M. St. Louis County Sheriff's Deputies and area first responders were dispatched to a two-vehicle head-on accident with injuries, on Hwy 5 in Balkan Township, just South of the Hibbing Taconite main entrance. 

Upon arrival, law enforcement learned from witnesses that a northbound vehicle had been traveling on Hwy 5 and lost control on the ice-covered roadway. That vehicle began fishtailing and ultimately crossed over the centerline, where they were struck by a southbound vehicle. The northbound vehicle subsequently left the roadway, rolled, and ejected the driver, who was not wearing their seatbelt. 

One driver, a 39 yr old male from rural Balkan Twp, was transported via ambulance to Fairview Hospital in Hibbing, and later transported to a Duluth hospital with serious and life-threatening injuries. The other driver was treated on scene by ambulance personnel and released. 

The accident remains under investigation by the Sheriff's Office, however slippery roads and driving too fast for conditions are contributing factors. 

The Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Chisholm Police Department, Chisholm Fire Department, Chisholm Ambulance, and the MN State Patrol.