One dead after pickup crosses centerline, hits semi near Fergus Falls

Star Tribune

Last update: June 15, 2009 - 9:37 PM

A pickup truck crossed the centerline on a two-lane highway in western Minnesota and struck a semitrailer truck head-on, killing the driver in the smaller vehicle, authorities said.

The crash happened Sunday afternoon on Hwy. 59, about three miles north of Fergus Falls, the State Patrol said.

Killed was Richard L. Smith, 24, of Middle River, Minn., who was driving south. The driver of the semi, David L. Bjorgo, 53, of Pelican Rapids, Minn., was not hurt, the patrol said.

There was no immediate word on why Smith's pickup crossed into the northbound lane or whether alcohol played a role in the crash.

PAUL WALSH

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