LYLE, Minn. - Law enforcement officers and first responders are on scene after a semi truck crashed into a school in southern Minnesota Tuesday morning.
Authorities say the incident happened around 8:30 a.m. when the semi driver was unable to stop in time before hitting a car making a left-hand turn on Highway 218 near the school. That vehicle went into the ditch and the semi careened through the parking lot of the school and into the building's art room, which was occupied with about 10-15 high school students.
Bryan Boysen, the superintendent of Lyle Public Schools, said they called 911 immediately after the crash happened.
"As soon as I exited the office, I saw smoke in the hallways so I’m thinking there’s a fire and then one of my staff members informed us quickly that a semi had crashed into the school,” he said. "I could see a semi cab completely submerged in the classroom."
Two students were transported to the hospital with minor injuries, including a 16-year-old passenger of the vehicle that was struck. The 52-year-old semi-truck driver was not injured.
All students were evacuated to the church next door to the school to be picked up by parents.
One grandmother picking up a child at the church said she's glad it wasn't worse.
"It’s frightening but like I said, God works, the lord will work and take care of those people injured and I feel bad for the truck driver," she said. "That’s got to be frightening for him to see what he’s done.”
Authorities say alcohol is not suspected in the crash.
They say an official cause will not be determined for weeks, as diagnostic testing is needed on the semi to see if there were any mechanical failures or faulty brakes.
Lyle Public School houses students from preschool to 12th grade. The school is currently closed until further notice.
The district sent the following email to parents following the incident.
“Attn Lyle Parents -We have had an emergency at school. All students are safe and accounted for and are located at Our Saviors Lutheran Church. Presently buses will not take students home. Please arrange to pick up your child at the church as soon as possible. Your child will be checked by a first responder as a precaution. Please refrain from calling the school at this time.”