Eveleth, MN (December 12, 2024) – At approximately 6:50 AM on December 12, 2024, a collision occurred at the intersection of Northbound Highway 53 and Industrial Park Drive in Eveleth, St. Louis County. The incident involved a transit bus and a 2022 Ram 1500 pickup. Emergency responders from Eveleth Ambulance and Essentia Health Virginia quickly arrived on the scene, providing medical attention to the injured passenger.
The crash occurred when a southbound transit bus, driven by 69-year-old Barbara Jo White of Eveleth, attempted to turn east onto Industrial Park Drive. As the bus began its turn, a blue Ram pickup, driven by 51-year-old Blaine Michael Rinell of Eveleth, was traveling northbound on Highway 53. The pickup merged from the right lane into the left lane, skidding on icy road conditions and crashing into the turning bus.
Rinell, the driver of the Ram pickup, was not injured and did not require medical attention. Likewise, White, the bus driver, was unharmed, as were two of the bus passengers: 67-year-old Susan Lucille Malevich of Eveleth and 77-year-old Barbara Jean Scholar of Hoyt Lakes. However, Scholar was transported to Essentia Health Virginia for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The road conditions at the time were icy, which likely contributed to the accident.
There were no reports of alcohol involvement, and no airbags deployed in either vehicle. The incident remains under investigation by the Minnesota State Patrol.
Bus Accidents in Minnesota
Minnesota experiences significant weather-related challenges during the winter months, with icy roads becoming a major hazard for drivers. The crash in Eveleth serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by winter driving conditions, particularly for larger vehicles like buses and trucks. As seen in this incident, even minor skidding on icy roads can cause serious accidents when vehicles are unable to maintain control.
Public transit vehicles, including school buses and other community transit services, play a critical role in ensuring safe transportation for many residents. In this case, the quick response of local emergency responders helped to minimize the impact of the crash, preventing more severe injuries. However, icy roads and driver caution remain key factors in preventing accidents like this.
Local authorities will continue their investigation, looking into the specifics of the crash, including any potential road conditions and contributing factors. Increased awareness of winter road safety can help prevent similar incidents in the future.
If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, it’s important to seek guidance on how to navigate the aftermath. Contact Local Accident Reports for assistance in understanding your options and protecting your rights following an accident.