A St. Cloud man was critically injured Tuesday evening after his pickup left the road and rolled along U.S. Highway 10 in Elk River. Fifty-six-year-old James McDonough was taken to North Memorial Medical Center with life‑threatening injuries, and emergency crews stayed on scene as investigators worked. The Minnesota State Patrol says the crash happened at about 7:20 p.m.
Crash details
The Minnesota State Patrol told WJON that McDonough was driving westbound when his pickup left the roadway and rolled. Troopers said the State Patrol was assisted by Allina Ambulance, Life Link, Elk River Police and Elk River Fire and Rescue, and that alcohol may have been involved. Investigators have not released final findings.
Why this stretch matters
This segment of Highway 10 through Elk River has a documented history of serious collisions; the city's Highway 10 corridor study lists several severe crashes and recommends engineering and traffic‑control changes to reduce run‑off‑road and intersection incidents. Local leaders have been considering redesigns and other safety measures to address the corridor's crash pattern, per the City of Elk River corridor study.
Investigation and next steps
The Minnesota State Patrol is leading the investigation and will work to determine whether impairment, speed or roadway conditions contributed to the rollover. Anyone with information or video is asked to contact the State Patrol's St. Cloud office at 320‑223‑6666, per the Minnesota State Patrol crash pages.
