Icy Crash Near Perham Sends Two Pelican Rapids Men to Hospital

State troopers said a GMC Yukon went off U.S. Highway 10 in Perham Township on Wednesday and overturned after encountering icy conditions. The driver, 37, and a 62 year old passenger, both from Pelican Rapids, were transported to Perham Health with non life threatening injuries. Perham Area EMS, Perham police and Perham fire assisted at the scene while the State Patrol continued the crash investigation. Icy pavement and winter weather were cited as contributing factors and no further serious injuries were reported.

The incident highlights a recurrent public safety challenge as winter weather intensifies travel hazards across Otter Tail County. Road conditions that change rapidly can overwhelm even experienced drivers, and crashes on state highways place demands on local emergency medical services and hospital resources. Perham Health received both patients, demonstrating the essential role of nearby rural healthcare facilities in stabilizing injured residents and limiting the time between injury and treatment.

For local emergency responders, this call was another reminder of the thin margin for error in rural response systems. Perham Area EMS and local public safety agencies work under budget and personnel constraints common across greater Minnesota, and a spike in weather related incidents can stretch capacity. Strengthening winter readiness means not only clearing roads and salting safely, but also ensuring sustained investment in EMS staffing, equipment, and training so all communities receive timely care.

The crash also has equity implications. Older adults and residents who must travel for work or medical appointments face heightened risks when highway conditions deteriorate. Check road conditions before traveling and allow extra time. Reduce speed, increase following distance, use appropriate tires, and carry a basic emergency kit in case weather traps vehicles away from immediate help.

State patrol investigators will determine the full sequence of events. Meanwhile local officials and public health partners can use incidents like this to review winter preparedness plans, shore up resources for emergency responders, and expand public outreach so all Otter Tail County residents can stay safer on the roads this winter.