(Estherville)– The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office has released details of a car/semi collision during Monday’s blizzard that injured two people.
Sheriff Mike Martens says 24-year-old Auston Umholtz of Superior was westbound on Highway nine about four miles east of Estherville when he crossed the centerline and traveled into the path of a westbound semi tractor/trailer driven by 58-year-old Thomas Sudberry of Bolingbrook, Illinois.
Umholtz and a passenger, 24-year-old Carrie Mitchell of Superior, were taken by ambulance to Avera Holy Family Hospital in Estherville. There was no word on the extent of their injuries or conditions. No injuries were reported to Sudberry.
Martens says visibility at the time was very poor due to blowing snow.
The collision resulted in authorities shutting down the eastbound lane of Highway nine in that area out of concern for rescue workers and to prevent any further collisions.
A 1994 Chrysler driven by Umholtz was totaled; a 2009 Kenworth semi tractor/trailer driven by Sudberry sustained an estimated 1,200 dollars in damage.
The collision took place around 10:45 a.m.
Martens says it’s another example of why when travel warnings are issued it’s important to stay in a safe place and not venture out.
The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Estherville Fire and Rescue and Emmet County Emergency Management.
