A one-vehicle crash into a building sent two people to the hospital — one in serious condition Tuesday morning. A 2002 Chevy Silverado pickup truck — driven by 43-year-old John Janu of Sartell — left Hwy. 10 and crashed into the front lobby of the Stephanie Gruenes dental office in Becker.
The incident happened at 8:59 a.m. as Janu was driving west on the highway when it skidded off the road, crossed a frontage road and smashed into the dentist's office, which is a brick building.
Becker Police Chief Brent Baloun and officer Jon Kurtz were first on the scene and were later assisted by the Becker Fire Dept., the Minnesota State Patrol, Monticello CentraCare Ambulance and North Memorial Helicopter service.
Dr. Stephanie Gruenes Center for Cosmetic Dentistry was damaged and closed for the day, Baloun said. The building is about 100 feet from the highway.
The driver was extricated and flown by chopper to St. Cloud Hospital, and the person in the waiting room — a Clear Lake man not yet identified by the Minnesota State Patrol — was taken by ambulance to St. Cloud Hospital with cuts from glass, Baloun said.
Several dental employees said they heard the horrific crash and felt the building shake. Dr. Gruenes just so happened to be up front at the reception desk when the vehicle crashed through her lobby. Broken glass was strewn all the way across the room but none of Gruenes’ employees were hurt in the incident.
“We are taking this week to repair and clean and will be open for business next week,” said Gruenes. “It will take a few weeks to get our building esthetics back, but you can be assured your care will remain the same. We appreciate your concerns and understanding.”
The crash is under investigation, but the State Patrol says the road was icy. Hwy.10 was closed for about 20 minutes while the helicopter landed.
