(Sutherland)– Authorities say it’s a wonder a teen got by with only minor injuries in a fiery single-vehicle rollover Sunday in O’Brien county.
The Iowa State Patrol says 17-year-old McKenzie Hellman of Calumet was driving a 1988 Chevrolet Monte Carlo on a gravel road when she crossed to the westbound side of the road. Troopers say Hellman turned back toward the eastbound lane, but slide sideways into the south ditch. The vehicle’s front-end then started on fire. Rescue crews put it out, but the blaze re-ignited a short time later, completely engulfing the vehicle.
Authorities say Hellman, who was alone in the vehicle, crawled out. She was taken by the Sutherland ambulance to Spencer Hospital with non-incapacitating injuries.
Troopers say the fact Hellman was wearing a seatbelt and that the airbags in the vehicle deployed saved her from much more serious injuries.
The vehicle was totaled.
Hellman was cited for failure to maintain control.
The crash took place around 11:00 a.m. Sunday.
The Iowa State Patrol was assisted by the Calumet Fire Department and the Sutherland ambulance.
