One dead in four car crash near MSP airport

KSTP

Two of the vehicles involved in a four-car pile-up this morning.

Initial reports indicate that a Chevy Suburban traveling southbound actually crossed the median and drove straight into northbound traffic, smashing directly into another vehicle, then hitting two others.

Michael Brown, 25, was at the wheel of the Suburban and was driving down Highway 5 when he crossed into the median at about 11:37 a.m. this morning. He crashed head on into a Lincoln Navigator, which was carrying at least five passengers, then a minivan and a Volkswagen Phaeton. The crash, near the Post Road exit, closed down all but one lane of traffic as emergency personnel worked to untangle the wreckage.

In total, nine people were involved and at this point it is unclear which vehicle the deceased victim was riding in. Four suffered minor injuries and four had non-life threatening injuries. One of the victims was an 81-year-old man; Brown was the youngest person involved.

Brown was taken to Regions Hospital for treatment. He was not wearing his seat belt and at this point it is unknown whether alcohol was involved.

"We don't know why he went through the median," says State Patrol Lt. Eric Roeske. "The road is clear and dry. Other than that we haven't ruled anything out."

The identity of the deceased passenger is being held until family notification. We'll continue to update as we learn more.