A two-car accident at 9:26 a.m. on February 3 on East Highway 61 in Grand Portage sent three people to the hospital, but fortunately none of the injuries were serious.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a black 2000 Jaguar, driven by Robert Mazurkewich, 50, of Thunder Bay was traveling west on Highway 61 and collided with a blue 2005 Chevrolet Equinox, driven by Bernice LeGarde, 74, of Grand Portage as her vehicle entered the roadway from Stevens Road.
LeGarde said she looked both ways before attempting to cross the highway to Blazes Road and did not see the other vehicle.
Mazurkewich stated that LeGarde pulled onto the roadway without warning. He said he was traveling at 100 kilometers, which converts to 62 mph. He said he was unfamiliar with U.S. speeds and he thought he was going 55 mph.
The jaguar hit LeGarde’s car and the momentum threw both vehicles into the ditch approximately 120 feet from impact.
Grand Portage Ambulance transported three parties to Cook County North Shore Hospital.
LeGarde suffered minor cuts to her head. She was treated and released.
Mazurkewich and his 14-year-old passenger were also transported and treated for minor injuries.
All parties were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident.
Charges of failure to yield right-of-way for LeGarde and speeding for Mazurkewich were considered, but no citations were issued, as Minnesota State Trooper Chris Thostenson said both parties appeared to be partly at fault.
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