Tofte First Responders and two ambulances from Cook County Ambulance were paged to respond to a two-vehicle accident in Tofte at 11:27 a.m. on Sunday, August 12. According to Minnesota State Patrol, Eric G. Strang, 39, of Stacy, MN, was traveling south on Highway 61 near mile marker 81 in a 2004 GMC Envoy when he attempted to pass a series of vehicles. A 2006 Hyundai Elantra, driven south by Brenda L. Dylla, 49, of Spicer, MN attempted to turn into the U.S. Forest Service rest stop sometimes referred to as “Smoky Bear’s grave.” Strang’s vehicle collided with Dylla’s as she made the left turn, hitting her vehicle in a “T-bone” collision, according to MN State Patrol.
Dylla was transported to Cook County North Shore Hospital and then life-flighted to St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth. At press time she was still hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Two passengers in Strang’s car, a female in the right front of the car and another female passenger in the right rear suffered injuries. They were transported to Cook County North Shore Hospital where they were treated and released.
According to MN State Patrol, Strang suffered no apparent injuries.
Strang’s car, the GMC Envoy, suffered moderate damage while Dylla’s Hyundai was totaled.
All parties were wearing seatbelts and airbags deployed. Alcohol is not believed to have been a factor in the accident.
State Trooper Chris Thostenson said the accident scene was being reconstructed to determine if charges would be filed.
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