Traffic accident sends two people to Altru

Published June 23 2009

UPDATE: Traffic accident sends two people to Altru

Two people remain hospitalized after driver's error sent towed boat into a traffic signal, breaking it loose from its trailer and sending it into the rear of the van.

By: James R. Johnson, Grand Forks Herald

Two Grand Forks residents were listed in satisfactory condition Tuesday afternoon at Altru Hospital after the boat their van was towing broke loose and struck the vehicle Monday.

The van was on the southbound exit ramp off Interstate 29 approaching 32nd Avenue South about 3:40 p.m. Monday when the driver, Rodney Clark, 84, failed to stop for a red light, according to Grand Forks police.

The van swerved to avoid crossing traffic and struck the signal standard on the opposite side of the intersection. The boat broke loose from the trailer and entered the rear of the van. Clark and his passenger, Carol Clark, 82, were taken by ambulance to Altru Hospital.

Damage to the rear of the van, boat and trailer was about $10,000. No citations have been issued.