Driver seriously injured in head-on rollover crash

CHISHOLM A 39-year-old man from rural Balkan Township was taken to the hospital in Hibbing and later Duluth with life-threatening injuries after a head-on collision early Saturday morning.

According to a news release, St. Louis County Sheriff’s deputies and first responders were called at approximately 6:05 a.m. to a two-vehicle head-on crash on Highway 5 in Balkan Township just south of the main entrance to Hibbing Taconite.

According to witness reports, a vehicle traveling northbound lost control under icy conditions, began fishtailing, crossed the centerline and was struck by a vehicle going in the opposite direction. The northbound vehicle left the road, rolled and the driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected.

The 39-year-old man was taken to Fairview Hospital in Hibbing and later to Duluth with serious and life-threatening injuries. The other driver was treated at the scene by ambulance personnel and released.

The Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident and noted that slippery roads and driving too fast for conditions were contributing factors.

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