Milaca woman dies in Benton County crash on Wednesday

A 31-year-old Milaca woman died in a Benton County crash on Wednesday afternoon.

According to a news release from the Benton County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to a report of a serious two-vehicle crash on Ronneby Road Southeast, half a mile south of Duel Road Southeast, at 3:50 p.m.

A Buick Enclave had collided with a Chevrolet Cobalt. The driver of the Buick, a 43-year-old Sauk Rapids woman, and her 8-year-old passenger were transported to St. Cloud Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The Chevrolet driver, identified as Milaca resident Amanda Nieman, was found trapped in her vehicle with life-threatening injuries.

She was extricated and did not respond to life-saving efforts, and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Investigators believe the Buick was traveling southbound on Ronneby Road at the same time the Chevy was heading northbound.

Deputies found evidence that the Chevy lost traction on a snowy patch of roadway and slid sideways across the southbound lane of traffic before being struck broadside by the Buick.

The Minnesota State Patrol, Foley Fire Department, Sherburne County Sheriff's Office, North Memorial Ambulance, and Benton County Public Works also responded to the scene.