Teen Dies In Maple Grove Crash, Car 'Fully Engulfed' In Flames

MAPLE GROVE, MN — A 19-year-old man died early Thursday after a single-car crash in Maple Grove. Just before 3:30 a.m., a Ford Taurus was traveling westbound on Highway 610 and struck the abutment on the east side of the bridge at Hemlock Lane, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.

The vehicle immediately became "fully engulfed" in flames, MSP said.

The teen from Dayton, Minnesota was the sole occupant of the crash. He was identified as Cristian John Schmidt. Authorities say it is "unknown" if alcohol was a factor in the crash.

All lanes of 610 westbound were closed until 7:15 a.m., KARE 11 reports.

Image via Minnesota Department of Transportation