Semi crashes into White Bear Lake dentist office, leaving 3 hurt
WHITE BEAR LAKE, Minn. (FOX 9) - Three people were left hurt on Monday after police say a semi truck slammed into a plaza off I-694, smashing a hole into a dentist's office.
Police responded shortly after 1 p.m. to the crash at a business center on Buerkle Road off White Bear Avenue, just north of I-694. Officers say three people were hurt in the crash, including the semi driver and two dentists inside the building. All three were transported to the hospital for treatment but are expected to recover from their injuries.
The two dentists who were injured in the crash are also two co-owners of the business, according to the husband of one of them. He told FOX 9 it is a "miracle" that both dentists are alive, and they were both expected to be discharged from the hospital Monday evening. The people who were inside the office at the time said the impact sounded like thunder. Neither of the injured dentists took a direct hit from the truck but instead were injured by the debris and materials the truck crashed into.
There was also at least one patient at the office, but luckily, no patients were hurt, according to the owner’s husband. The owners want people to know the office will be closed for an indefinite amount of time, but they will work to make sure their patients do receive dental care either from their staff or from other dentists in the area.
(Matt Hoppe / Supplied)
Officials at Bay and Bay Transportation confirmed to FOX 9 that the trailer was empty at the time of the crash.
The hole in the dentist's office building has been boarded up. The truck also took down a Speedway Gas Station sign.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. However, White Bear Lake police say it appears the truck was traveling westbound on I-694, took the exit ramp, crossed White Bear Avenue and hit the northwest corner of the building.
In a statement, White Bear Dentists said:
"While we have no further update as of this hour, we can confirm that shortly after 1 p.m. today, a semi-truck and trailer crashed into White Bear Dentists, a dental practice located off Interstate 694 near White Bear Avenue. Two of our team members who were in the building sustained non-life threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital.
"Our number one priority is ensuring the health and safety of our patients and team members. We are working with the White Bear Lake Police Department and Minnesota State Patrol. As this is an ongoing investigation, please direct any further questions to the White Bear Lake Police Department."