A tragic accident in southwestern Minnesota on Friday evening claimed the life of one person and left two others with serious injuries after a firetruck rolled over into a ditch.
The Yellow Medicine County Sheriff’s Office reported that the crash happened shortly after 6:30 p.m. along 490th Street near 160th Avenue. First responders who arrived at the scene discovered a Wood Lake firetruck overturned on its side.
Inside the wreckage, a 43-year-old passenger was found trapped beneath the truck. Despite immediate efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released his name, as family notifications are still pending.
Two more people, a 37-year-old and a 6-year-old child, were also inside the truck at the time of the crash. Both suffered what appeared to be serious injuries. Emergency crews transported them to a nearby hospital before they were airlifted to another medical center for further treatment. As of Saturday morning, their conditions remained uncertain.Minnesota Firetruck Crash Leaves One Dead, Two Seriously Injured
The Minnesota State Patrol has taken the lead in investigating what caused the firetruck to roll. Early information suggests the vehicle had been traveling north when it veered off the road and tipped over into the ditch. At this stage, officials have not provided additional details, including whether those inside the truck were members of the fire department.
The incident has shaken the small community of Wood Lake, a town where the fire department often plays a central role in local events and safety. Just hours before the crash, the Wood Lake Fire Department had shared photos on social media from a celebration for Lakeview’s homecoming parade. Firefighters and community members were shown enjoying the occasion together. It remains unclear whether any of the individuals involved in the parade earlier in the day were also in the firetruck during the crash.
The sheriff’s office, along with the Wood Lake Fire Department and the State Patrol, has been contacted for further updates, but no additional information has been released as of Saturday afternoon. Local residents are anxiously waiting for clarity on what led to the tragedy and for updates on the conditions of the injured.
Deadly crashes involving firetrucks are relatively rare but highlight the dangers emergency responders and those riding with them face. These vehicles, while essential in emergencies, are often large and difficult to control on rural roads, particularly when traveling at higher speeds or on uneven surfaces. Investigators will be looking into whether road conditions, vehicle malfunction, or other factors played a role in Friday’s crash.
The loss of life and the injuries to a child and another adult have cast a somber mood over the Wood Lake community. For now, friends, neighbors, and families are left grappling with grief, unanswered questions, and hope for the recovery of the survivors.
As authorities continue their investigation, more details are expected in the coming days, including confirmation of the identities of those involved and the circumstances leading up to the firetruck’s sudden rollover. Until then, the town of Wood Lake and surrounding areas are mourning the devastating impact of a single evening that began with celebration and ended in heartbreak.
