Delano Herald Journal

Serving the communities of Delano, Loretto, Montrose, MN, and the surrounding area

Traffic accident shuts down Hwy. 12 Dec. 12



INDEPENDENCE, MN – A personal-injury traffic accident rerouted traffic around Highway 12 just west of its intersection with Hennepin County Road 90 at about 11:25 a.m. Dec. 12 in Independence.

When West Hennepin Public Safety (WHPS) officers arrived at the scene of the accident, three vehicles were found to have been involved.

Dwight J. Skillings, Jr., 33, of Delano, was traveling eastbound on Highway 12 when his vehicle, a Jeep Cherokee, crossed over the centerline and side-swipped a westbound Toyota Corolla being driven by Hope Thill, 77, of St. Louis Park, according to WHPS. Skillings then struck a second vehicle, a Ford van being driven by Rodger Rosebrock, head on.

Rosebrock reported injuries and was transported to a hospital by North Memorial Ambulance, according to WHPS. Thill suffered minor injuries and was trapped inside her vehicle. Maple Plain Fire Rescue used the “Jaws of Life” to extricate her.

Skillings has been charged with careless driving, according to WHPS.

“It is very fortunate the drivers of the other two vehicles were following the law and had their seatbelts on, properly worn,” WHPS Director Ray McCoy said.

Highway 12 was shut down for approximately one hour while the injured people were treated and the crash scene was cleared. None of the vehicles were drivable and were towed from the scene, according to WHPS.

WHPS was assisted by Maple Plain Fire Department, North Memorial Ambulance, and the Orono and Medina police departments.

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