News

November 19, 2009

2 dead in Minnesota bus crash

JEFF BAENEN Associated Press Writer

AUSTIN, Minn. — A tour bus returning from an Iowa casino ran off a southern Minnesota interstate and rolled over in a ditch Wednesday, killing two people and injuring 21, authorities said.

The bus, operated by Strain Bus Line Motorcoach Tours in Rochester, was eastbound on Interstate 90 just west of Austin about 3:20 p.m. when it crossed into the westbound lanes and flipped over, Department of Public Safety spokesman Andy Skoogman said.

Passenger Ardell Swenson, 71, of Austin, said she was just putting her head back to rest when the crash happened.

“When I got myself organized there was all kinds of red and white and blue lights flashing,” she said. “There was glass all over.”

The bus was carrying 23 people including the driver, Skoogman said. He said 14 were taken to Austin Medical Center and six to a hospital in nearby Albert Lea. The driver was airlifted to St. Marys Hospital in Rochester. Skoogman had no information on conditions of those injured or details about those killed.

Firefighters pulled off the bus’s windshield because the 47-passenger coach had settled on its right side, blocking the door. Video footage from the scene showed several older people sitting on the grass, many bleeding from what appeared to be minor wounds but talking to medical personnel.

Swenson was treated at the Austin hospital for what she called minor injuries.

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