Driver hospitalized after car crashes into garage, catches fire in Maple Grove

A person was taken to a hospital late Thursday morning after a vehicle drove into a garage and then caught fire in Maple Grove.

Maple Grove Fire Chief Tim Bush says callers reported the crash at a home near 96th Avenue North and Minnesota Lane just after 11 a.m., adding a person was still inside the vehicle.

After the crash, the vehicle caught fire, which spread to the garage and attached house.

Bush says the fire was upgraded to a second alarm for additional resources and a life support unit was also requested.

Maple Grove Police added that officers initially weren’t able to get the driver, a male, out of the vehicle because of the flames but firefighters worked quickly to get those under control.

The driver of the vehicle was then taken to a hospital by ambulance with injuries that police say are considered life-threatening. However, neither Bush nor police had any update on that person’s condition Thursday afternoon.

Two police officers were also taken to a hospital and treated for smoke inhalation but the department says they’re expected to be OK.

Police say early information indicates the driver may have experienced a medical event but they’re still investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The extent of the damage to the garage and home is also unclear at this time.