Alcohol detected in two drivers

BROWNSDALE — Two people were injured after a three-car crash on Highway 56 south of Brownsdale Thursday night.

A 1998 Pontiac Bonneville was southbound at about 6:45 p.m. when it crossed the centerline and sideswiped a northbound 2003 Ford Taurus, which then hit a trailing 2003 Bonneville, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. The drivers of the oncoming cars both had to be extricated from their vehicles, according to a sheriff’s report.

Alan Smith, 57, of Brownsdale, was driving the Taurus and received minor injuries. Raughn Oakland, 51, of Brownsdale, was driving the 2003 Bonneville and had no apparent injuries. Gerald Clark, 59, of Glenville, was driving the 1998 Bonneville and received minor injuries, according to the State Patrol.

Alcohol was detected in both Clark and Oakland, though the State Patrol did not indicate whether either was above the legal limit of 0.08. Mower County Sheriff Terese Amazi said a deputy arrested Oakland and he was later released. It’s unclear if there will be charges.

The 1998 Bonneville was totaled, the Taurus sustained severe damage, and the 2003 Bonneville had little to no damage, according to the State Patrol. The road was dry, the State Patrol added.

Emergency officials had the scene, about a half-mile north of Interstate 90, blocked from both directions for more than an hour.

Both Smith and Clark were taken to the Austin hospital for their minor injuries.

Look to the Herald for more information as it becomes available.