Photos:  Cook County Law Enforcement

July 12, 2018 – At approximately 12:20 pm today, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Lutsen Fire Department, Lutsen EMS, Cook County Emergency Management, US Border Patrol and Cook County North Shore Ambulance responded to a motor vehicle accident on Highway 61 involving an RV Motor Home that broke through the guard rail and crashed onto the east embankment of the Poplar River, approximately 40-feet over the fast-flowing river below.

An adult male and female passenger from Nisswa, MN, were safely extracted from the vehicle. The male driver of the RV did not appear to sustain significant injury, and the female passenger was transported to Cook County North Shore Hospital for evaluation, but was not believed to have critical injuries.

Responders are attempting to locate a Trailblazer that was being towed behind the RV which broke free into the river during the accident. The Minnesota Duty Officer and local Cook County Soil & Water Conservation District were notified regarding expelled vehicle fuels. 

“It is very surprising that these people were not critically injured in this accident,” said Sheriff Pat Eliasen. “I commend our local responders for their swift actions and securing the scene.”

Lake City Towing out of Superior, WI, was called to extract the oversize vehicle, and upon moving the vehicle around 4:15 pm, it started on fire. Lutsen Fire and Lutsen EMS was again paged, and was able to suppress the fire and cleared the scene at 6:50 pm. 

The incident has been handed over to the MN State Patrol for investigation.

Contact:  Valerie Marasco, Director – Emergency Management & Public Information, 
                  218-387-5366 or [email protected]

Editors' Note: No matter how experienced you are, driving a large recreational vehicle or motor home requires some special safety tips and preparations before and during your trip.  Follow this link to read an article and watch a video on Safe Driving Trips for Operating A Motor Home at the Boreal Emergency Preparedness Portal.  

http://www.boreal-emergency.org/2018/07/13/176875/safe-driving-tips-for-operating-a-motorhome-rv