1 Dead, 1 Critical After Hennepin County Head-On Crash
A fatal head-on collision on Highway 12 near Independence left one person dead and another seriously injured Friday night.
The crash was first reported around 10:06 p.m. on Nov. 22 near Lake Haughey Road and involved a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe and a 2022 Kia Forte.
Preliminary findings indicate that one of the drivers crossed the centerline, colliding with the other vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. Both drivers were the sole occupants of the vehicles.
The Kia Forte was driven by Destin Michael Ertel, 32, of Montrose, Minn., and the Sante Fe was driven by Charles Darland, 35, of Bloomington, Minn. Preliminary investigation indicates that distraction may have been a contributing factor, authorities say.
Ertel was pronounced deceased at the scene due to his injuries sustained in the crash. Darland was transported by North Memorial Ambulance to a local hospital and was initially reported to be in critical condition. Hennepin County authorities said Darland was in serious but stable condition as of Saturday evening.
Highway 12 was closed in both directions near Lake Haughey Road overnight as authorities investigated the crash and cleared the wreckage.
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