Wisconsin Teen Airlifted to St. Mary’s Hospital in Critical Condition After Rochester-Area Crash

Pine Island, MN (KROC-AM News)- A teenage driver was airlifted to St. Mary’s Hospital after crashing in the Rochester area. 

Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Malinda Olson said deputies responded to the crash shortly before 8:15 Thursday night. The State Patrol was at the scene when deputies arrived. 

The single-vehicle crash occurred at the Hwy. 52/Olmsted County Rd. 12 interchange between Oronoco and Pine Island. 

Get our free mobile app

A witness told deputies the crash victim’s car was behind them on the exit ramp from northbound Hwy. 52 and appeared to be moving into the right turn lane to enter eastbound County Rd. 12. 

Olson said the witness reported seeing the vehicle suddenly veer into the left turn lane to enter westbound County Rd. 12. The car then entered the intersection and struck the concrete median, which caused it to roll. 

The State Patrol removed the driver from the vehicle before deputies got to the scene. The motorist, described as a 17-year-old boy from Star Prairie, WI, was mostly unresponsive, Olson said. 

A Mayo Clinic Ambulance crew arrived to care for the teen until Mayo 1 arrived and airlifted the teenager to St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester. At last report the teen was described to be in critical condition. 

Deputies spoke with the boy’s mother at the hospital. She told law enforcement she was on the phone with him before the crash and that he told her he was not feeling well and was pulling off the freeway because he was feeling sick. 

Olson said there were no obvious signs of impairment at the scene. The boy’s name is not being released.

More Minnesota News:

• Police Officer Kicked in the Head, Severely Harmed During Fight at MN School
• Minnesota Financial Advisor Admits to Stealing Client Investments 
• Federal Prosecutors Take Over Major Rochester Drug Trafficking Case