Friday’s crash in Greenwood Township sparks renewed focus on ATV safety protocols

GREENWOOD TWP — On a quiet evening in Greenwood, an all-terrain vehicle adventure took a perilous turn, resulting in serious injuries for a visiting Faribault resident. The incident has cast a spotlight on the inherent risks associated with ATV riding, especially in challenging terrains without proper safety gear.

One person suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to a hospital in the Duluth area after the ATV crashed Friday evening. St. Louis County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call at 8:45 p.m. within the 2600 block of County Road 77. The sheriff’s office said the Faribault resident was visiting a family cabin for the weekend and went for an ATV ride. While driving and navigating a steep ditch, the ATV slid downhill on ice and then flipped over, landing on the driver.

Immediate family members, witnessing the accident, quickly dialed 911, summoning first responders to the scene. Greenwood First Responders and Bois Forte Law Enforcement were on scene quickly and rendered preliminary aid before the victim was airlifted by a North Memorial Air medical helicopter to a Duluth area hospital due to serious injuries. The name of the driver has not yet been released.

The seriousness of the injuries was highlighted by authorities, drawing attention to the fact that the driver was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

ATV riding, while a source of exhilaration and adventure for many, carries with it a significant risk of accident and injury, particularly when safety precautions are overlooked. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers posed by challenging terrains and the critical importance of wearing helmets and other protective gear.

Assisting the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Officer, Greenwood First Responders, and Bois Forte Law Enforcement were the Greenwood Fire Department, the Tower Fire Department, and Virginia Ambulance service.