A large tree toppled onto Highway 61 in the early morning rain and winds of August 21, causing a Holsum bread truck to crash into the woods near Temperance River. Fortunately the driver, Gary Wilson, 58, of Thunder Bay was not seriously injured in the crash at 6:06 a.m.
Occupants of another vehicle, heading eastbound, were able to see the large uprooted poplar tree that stretched across both traffic lanes, having fallen from the hillside toward the lake. They were able to come to a stop, but they watched as the single unit box truck crested the hill, unable to see the big tree until it was too late. The witnesses told Minnesota State Trooper Leah Carpenter that the truck “vaulted into the air and veered off on the lakeside.” The eastbound truck came to a stop partially blocking the eastbound lane.
Trooper Carpenter said the driver was not seriously injured. He had some pain in his neck, back and shoulder, consistent with injuries related to wearing a seatbelt.
No citations were issued. Trooper Carpenter said there was no indication the driver did anything wrong.
Carpenter said it is not unusual for trees to fall on area roads, but they generally do not block both traffic lanes.
Leave a Reply