Watch CBS News

1 Dead, 2 Boys In Critical Condition After Isanti Co. Crash

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The driver of a vehicle is dead and two boys were airlifted to the hospital in critical condition after a crash in Isanti County.

According to the State Patrol, 16-year-old Melody Lewis, of Ham Lake, was driving a 2002 Dodge Caravan, heading south on Durant Street Northeast when she ran a stop sign on 269th Avenue Northeast and broadsided a 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. The accident happened around 6 p.m. Sunday.

After being struck, the Oldsmobile rolled into a water-filled ditch and came to rest on its roof. The driver, 30-year-old Christin Birkholz, of Isanti, was partially ejected and died at the scene.

Three children were inside the Oldsmobile, including 10-year-old Logan Birkholz and 1-year-old Mason Birkholz, who were airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center in critical condition. Four-year-old Bailey Birkholz was treated and released from a local hospital. All are from Isanti.

The Isanti County Sheriff said the children were removed from the vehicle by people who stopped to help.

Two passengers were in the Dodge Caravan -- 47-year-old Bethany Lewis and 14-year-old Bethany Lewis, both of Ham Lake. They were treated and released at a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Neither alcohol, nor electronic devices were to blame in the crash, according to police.

The Minnesota State Patrol continues to investigate the crash.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.