UPDATE: Forest Lake students hit by car during track practice remain hospitalized
Two track athletes from Forest Lake Area High School were critically injured Tuesday afternoon when they were struck by a Lindstrom, Minn., man driving a Cadillac sedan as they crossed U.S. 61 near the high school, officials said.
The 15-year-old boys were crossing the highway in the crosswalk at 202nd Street North with a group of runners about 3:30 p.m., when the 84-year-old motorist struck them, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
The injured boys, both of Forest Lake, were flown to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, said Lt. Jill Frankfurth of the State Patrol.
“We were saddened to learn this afternoon that two of our high school student track athletes were struck by a vehicle as they were crossing Highway 61,” school officials said in an email sent to families and staff. “Emergency personnel responded to the scene and the students were airlifted to the hospital. Names of the students have not yet been released and we do not have further updates on the students’ condition.”
As news spread about what happened, the mayor of the Washington County community also reacted to the news.
“I’m heartbroken to hear about this afternoon’s terrible accident,” Mayor Mara Bain said. “My prayers are with the students and their loved ones this evening and in the days to follow.”
The State Patrol, which is continuing to investigate, said it expects to release more information later.
