Greenway Township, MN (January 29, 2026) -Two people were injured on Tuesday afternoon when a vehicle slid off Highway 169 near Spruce Dr in Greenway Township, Itasca County. According to officials, the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier was traveling northbound when it hit a patch of ice and veered off the road, striking a tree. The incident occurred around 1:14 p.m. on January 27. The driver, identified as 56-year-old Amy Jo Terebayza, and a passenger, 30-year-old Shyanne Marie Lewis, both from Grand Rapids, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Both were transported to North Memorial for treatment. Authorities confirmed that seat belts were in use, and no alcohol was suspected.
Key Details
- Location: Greenway Township, MN
- Where: Highway 169 near Spruce Dr
- Type: Single-Vehicle Injury Accident
- Reported: January 27, 1:14 PM
- Injuries: Confirmed – Non-life-threatening
- Responding Agency: Nashwauk Police, Nashwauk Fire, Itasca Sheriff, North Memorial
What We Know So Far
- A northbound Chevrolet Cavalier struck ice and crashed into a tree.
- Two occupants, both from Grand Rapids, were injured and taken to North Memorial.
- Seat belts were in use; alcohol was not suspected.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- Whether speed or other road conditions contributed beyond the ice patch.
- If road treatment or warnings were in place prior to the crash.
- The length of time the roadway was affected following the incident.
Local Context
In Itasca County, rural stretches like Highway 169 near Spruce Dr often carry local and regional traffic across forested corridors. During winter months, icy patches can appear suddenly, especially in shaded or low-lying areas. Crashes in these zones may require coordination between multiple local agencies for rescue and scene control. In this case, Nashwauk Police and Fire, Itasca Sheriff’s Office, and North Memorial responded promptly to assist the injured. Officials typically document roadway conditions and vehicle impact points before concluding their reports. More details may be released once the full investigation is finalized.
What to Do Next
- If your vehicle loses control on ice, steer gently and avoid sudden braking; regain control gradually if possible.
- After any crash, move to a safe location if you can and alert emergency services immediately.
- Save any relevant dashcam or mobile footage before it’s overwritten.
- Keep documentation from the incident organized in case follow-up care or reports are needed.
FAQ
Q: Why are rural roads riskier during winter weather?
A: Rural roads often have fewer plowing cycles, more shaded areas, and limited traction control, making icy spots harder to detect and avoid.
Q: Can airbags fail to deploy in a serious crash?
A: Airbags deploy based on impact angles and sensor activation; some crashes, like side impacts or off-road collisions, may not trigger deployment even with injuries.
Q: What determines whether a crash is classified as “non-life-threatening”?
A: Medical responders evaluate the type of injury, stability of the victim, and likelihood of complications to categorize injury severity at the scene or facility.
