(Milford)– Serious injuries were reported in a collision early this (Sunday) morning involving a sport utility vehicle and a UTV at the intersection of Highway 71 and 260th Street south of Milford.
The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office says 76-year-old Richard Swanson of Spirit Lake was driving a 2018 Toyota Highlander northbound when he came across a Polaris Ranger that was also northbound on Highway 71. Deputies say as Swanson was passing the UTV, the driver of the Polaris Ranger attempted to turn west onto 260th Street, crossing in front of Swanson’s vehicle. The two vehicles then collided, coming to rest in the intersection.
Swanson wasn’t injured but a passenger in his vehicle, Marsha Swanson, complained of some soreness.
Two minors were on the UTV. The driver was trapped and was pulled off by Swanson and a passerby. The UTV then caught on fire and became fully engulfed. The driver sustained incapacitating injuries and the passenger was suspected of having serious injuries. Both were transported by ambulance to Lakes Regional Healthcare. At least one has since been transferred to a Sioux Falls hospital.
Both vehicles were totaled.
The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Spencer, Milford and Arnolds Park Police Departments, Milford Fire Department, Lakes Regional Healthcare ambulance, Terril Rescue, Dickinson County Communications Center and the Iowa State Patrol.
Authorities say the crash took place shortly before 1:00 am this (Sunday) morning and that it remains under investigation.
