Hopkins Woman Among Those Injured in Fatal I-94 Crash

A Hopkins woman was among those hurt in a Monday crash that killed four North Dakota State University roommates returning home to school from the Twin Cities.

Joann E. Bieker’s injuries aren’t life threatening, according to a State Patrol report.

The 71-year-old was a passenger in a 2007 Toyota Corolla that was driving east on Interstate 94, west of Alexandria.

The NDSU students were driving west at the same time. Their 2005 Chevrolet Malibu crossed the median and was broadsided by a 2008 Ford Expedition. The Corolla—driven by Kari S. Christensen of Ramsey—then rear-ended the Expedition.

Christensen also received injuries that weren’t life threatening in the crash. She and Bieker were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, the Star Tribune reports.

The four women in the Malibu died in the crash. State patrol identified them as:

• Lauren J. Paterson, 18, of Prior Lake, the driver
• Jordan N. Playle, 19, of Elk River
• Megan R. Sample, 18, of Rogers
• Danielle R. Renninger, 18, of Excelsior

The Star Tribune reports that Renninger was a 2011 Minnetonka High School graduate returning back to school after the Presidents Day weekend.

The driver of the Expedition—Lawrence M. Akers, 58, of Harwood, N.D.—was taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for injuries that weren’t life threatening.