SUV collides with trailer, boat left in ditch after driver hit accelerator by mistake

A boat flew into a ditch when an SUV crashed into a trailer in Stearns County on Friday, with the driver responsible saying she hit the accelerator by mistake.

Deputies from the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office were called at 2:40 p.m. to the crash scene near the intersection of County Road 17 and Birch Lake Road in Melrose Township.

When deputies arrived, they saw a fishing boat in the south ditch of County Road 17, a damaged Lincoln SUV, and a Chevrolet truck parked at Birch Lake Road with the trailer still attached.

The Lincoln driver told deputies she accidentally pushed on the accelerator when she meant to brake as the truck ahead slowed down to turn.

The truck driver told deputies he noticed the Lincoln was not slowing down while he was turning, and they collided, sending the boat off the trailer and into the ditch.

The trailer received "significant" damage, as did the front right side of the Lincoln.

Paramedics treated the Lincoln driver on the scene, and the truck passenger was taken to Melrose Hospital for minor injuries.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcement’s latest version of events, and may be subject to change.

Related: Damage in Melrose after reported tornado touchdown