2 hospitalized after car hits elementary school in Duluth, police say

Sep 13, 2024 at 5:19 PM

Duluth Crash Leaves Two Hospitalized, School Gym Damaged

In a startling incident, two individuals were hospitalized on Friday after their vehicle crashed into the exterior of a gym at a Duluth elementary school. Fortunately, no students or staff were present at the time of the accident. The crash, which occurred at the Myers-Wilkins Elementary School, has left the gym significantly damaged and closed indefinitely.

Dramatic Incident Unfolds at Duluth School

Crash Sends Vehicle Careening into School Gym

The incident unfolded just before 8:30 a.m. on Friday, when a vehicle traveling down North Eighth Avenue East in Duluth ran a stop sign, drove down an embankment, and collided with the exterior of the school's gymnasium. The force of the impact caused significant damage to the gym, rendering it unusable for the foreseeable future.According to the Duluth Police Department, the two individuals inside the vehicle were immediately transported to a local hospital, though the extent of their injuries was not disclosed. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Nearby School Bus Crash Adds to the Chaos

In a separate incident, a school bus was involved in a crash on Thursday near Hibbing, located north of Duluth. The collision sent 12 students to the hospital, and the driver who hit the bus was left with life-threatening injuries, according to authorities.The two incidents, occurring within a short distance and timeframe, have left the local community shaken and concerned about the safety of their schools and transportation systems. Residents are eager to learn more about the causes of these accidents and what measures can be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Ongoing Investigations and Community Concerns

As the investigations into both incidents continue, the Duluth community is grappling with the aftermath of these dramatic events. The closure of the Myers-Wilkins Elementary School gym will undoubtedly disrupt the daily routines and activities of the students and staff, raising concerns about the impact on their education and well-being.Moreover, the recent school bus crash near Hibbing has further heightened the community's worries about the safety of their transportation infrastructure. Parents and guardians are likely to demand answers and assurances that their children's commutes to and from school will be secure and reliable.

Calls for Improved Safety Measures and Accountability

In the wake of these incidents, local officials and community leaders are expected to face increased pressure to address the underlying issues and implement more robust safety measures. This may include reviewing traffic patterns, intersection design, and driver education programs, as well as exploring potential technological solutions to enhance vehicle and pedestrian safety around schools.Additionally, there may be calls for greater accountability and transparency from the authorities responsible for maintaining the safety of the local transportation network. Residents will likely seek assurances that the necessary steps are being taken to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future and to ensure the well-being of their children and the broader community.As the investigations continue and the community grapples with the aftermath of these events, the Duluth area will undoubtedly be focused on finding solutions and implementing measures to enhance the safety and security of its schools and transportation infrastructure. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of these incidents and the community's ability to move forward with a renewed commitment to protecting its citizens.