Plymouth Woman in Horrific Crash Friday in Golden Valley

The State Patrol has released an official report of what happened to cause a fatal and fiery car crash Friday morning in Golden Valley.

The crash involved four vehicles including a 2012 Toyota Sienna driven by Shirley Knutson, 66, of Plymouth. The Star Tribune reports that she is is serious but stable condition after being transported to North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale.

Knutson was driving eastbound on Highway 55 and ran a red light to turn left onto Boone Avenue when a semi-truck going westbound on Hwy 55 in the right lane hit her vehicle and then a traffic signal and burst into flames.  The semi driver was trapped in the cab of the truck, was unable to be taken out and died. Knutson was pushed into another vehicle driven by Axas Yang, 25, of Minneapolis. Knutson then hit a semiphore in the median. 

 Leo Kuglin, 72, of Golden Valley, was driving his 2006 Mazada Tribute southbound on Boone Avenue and was waiting to turn onto Highway 55 when he was slightly hit by the semi-truck. He is uninjured.

The State Patrol has not released the identity of the semi driver or their condition, but earlier media reported that the semi-truck driver died on the scene. The condition of Knutson was not listed on the State Patrol's website, but earlier media reports indicated she was unharmed in the crash.

Eastbound Highway 55 at Highway 169 was shutdown for a while as law enforcement and first responders were on the scene and crews cleaned up the wreckage and investigated the incident.

MnDOT crews have installed a temporary four-way stop sign at the intersection of Highway 55 and Boone Avenue in Golden Valley.

The four-way stop sign may be needed for up to a week while contractors replace a new concrete base that will hold the traffic signal in place, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Once poured, the concrete base must cure for a week.

Crews are working to install a temporary stop light that could be operating by Monday rush hour, weather permitting.

Motorists will experience slower traffic and are reminded to drive carefully and stay alert.

Did you witness or see the accident? Let us know in the comment section below!