On 4/1/16 at 2:03 P.M. the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office was called to investigate a 3 vehicle accident at the intersection of 370th Avenue and 360th Street just east of Ruthven. A 2015 Ford F150 driven by Ronald David Anderson of Jackson, Minnesota was west bound in the 3700 Block of 360th Street. As Anderson crested a hill just east of the intersection of 370th Avenue and 360th Street, Anderson saw a 2013 Ford Focus driven by Tracey Lee Will of Spirit Lake, stopped on the roadway just east of the intersection. Will was stopped behind a 2007 Ford Ranger driven by Roger Gene Drahota of Armstrong and a grain semi that was waiting for east bound traffic to pass; as the semi was making a left hand turn onto 370th Avenue. Anderson attempted to stop the F150 he was driving, but was unable too and subsequently rear ended the Ford Focus driven by Tracey Will. Following the impact, Will’s Ford Focus impacted the rear of the Ford Ranger driven by Drahota.
Damage to the Ford Ranger was estimated at $1500.00. The Ford Focus was deemed a total loss. Damage to the F150 was estimated at $15000.00.
Tracey Will was transported to the Palo Alto County Hospital to be treated for possible injuries sustained in the accident. Marjorie Drahota, a passenger in the Ford Ranger, was also transported to the Palo Alto County Hospital to be treated for possible injuries sustained in the accident. Ronald David Anderson was issued a citation for Failure to Reduce Speed to a Reasonable and Proper Rate.
The Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Ruthven Fire Department, Ruthven Ambulance Service, and the Palo Alto County Ambulance Service.