Olivia Flores : “Rochester State Patrol crash kills teen”

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Generic police lights (FOX 9)

ROCHESTER, Minn. (FOX 9) – A multi-vehicle collision near a shopping centre in Rochester has resulted in six individuals sustaining injuries, including a Minnesota State Trooper, and tragically claimed the life of an 18-year-old woman.

Rochester authorities reported that the incident involving three vehicles occurred on Saturday, May 18, close to the Apache Mall. Initial reports indicate that the driver of a Ford Focus was travelling west on 12th Street Southwest and attempted to turn into the mall, leading to a collision with the State trooper’s patrol car which was heading east on the same street.

Subsequently, as the driver of the Toyota RAV4 was exiting the mall and waiting to make a turn, their vehicle was struck by the driver of the Ford Focus, causing it to veer off the road and into a ditch, as outlined by the police.

A 32-year-old State Trooper and a 20-year-old ride-along passenger were taken to the hospital with unspecified injuries. The 36-year-old RAV4 driver and a 12-year-old passenger sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene, without requiring hospitalisation, according to law enforcement.

The 21-year-old female driver of the Ford Focus, alongside two passengers – a 19-year-old female and an 18-year-old female – were all transported to St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment of their injuries.

Tragically, the 18-year-old, identified as Olivia Flores from Owatonna, was in critical condition and succumbed to her injuries. Details regarding the injuries sustained by the other females have not been disclosed.

“Olivia was an extraordinary young woman. To have known her was to have been inspired by her. She embodied strength and loyalty, with a beauty that resonated from within. To have known and cherished her was a true blessing!” read a statement from the GoFundMe campaign set up for Flores’ family.

The incident is currently under investigation.

Statement from State Patrol

Col. Christina Bogojevic of the Minnesota State Patrol issued the following statement in response to the collision:

“Ensuring the safety of motorists as they navigate Minnesota’s roadways is our primary objective each day. Our agency remains dedicated to preventing accidents and saving lives. On Saturday evening, a Minnesota State Patrol vehicle was involved in a collision in Rochester which tragically resulted in a fatality. Our thoughts are with all those impacted by this devastating event.

“The Rochester Police Department is leading the investigation into the crash. Any further updates will be provided by their department.”

As of now, at least 126 individuals have lost their lives in traffic incidents across Minnesota this year, as reported by the state Department of Public Safety.