Alcohol detected in two drivers

BROWNSDALE — Three people were injured after a three-car crash on Highway 56 south of Brownsdale Thursday night, and authorities are saying alcohol was involved.

A 1998 Pontiac Bonneville was southbound at about 6:45 p.m. when it sideswiped a northbound 2003 Ford Taurus, which then hit a 2003 Bonneville, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.

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

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 said.

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

At least a dozen law enforcement officers were on scene. Both Smith and Clark were taken to the Austin hospital for their minor injuries.