Vehicle hits corner of residence hall at Winona State
Contributed photo from someone who passed by the car accident.
March 30, 2022
On Sunday morning at about 9:40 a.m., March 20, a Chevy Cruze crashed into Winona State University’s Richards Hall, located at the corner of Huff St. and W. Sanborn St.
Taylor Bolssen, the driver of the vehicle, experienced a sudden medical emergency resulting in the car’s running over the curb of the road and into the corner of Richards Hall. A bystander in the area reported the accident.
Winona County Police, paramedics and Winona State Security were called and responded to the scene. Bolssen was transported to Winona Health for further medical attention. The cause and details of the reported medical emergency has not been publicly released.
Chris Cichosz, director of Winona State Security, confirmed Bolssen was not seriously injured during the incident.
Quad Hall Director and Assistant Director of Housing and Residence Life, Ann Durley, confirmed Bolssen was not a student, staff or faculty member of Winona State.
The car clipped the corner of Richards Hall, causing minimal damage, but ripping up some greenery and ground stakes before hitting the building.
“That person really lucked out because they could have hit our Quad sign or a tree, but it looked like the stake that was in the ground took most of the force,” Durley said.
While the damage on the building does not look severe, Winona State Facilities Services will still examine the building to ensure there is not structural or foundational damage.
“If it is found that there is damage to the building, Winona State University will try and file a claim against the vehicle’s insurance,” Chicosz explained.
No other bystanders were injured during the incident. This is the second vehicular accident that has happened on Winona State’s campus since the beginning of the 2022 spring semester.
“I am thankful the driver was not seriously injured and that no one was walking in the area that was struck by the vehicle,” Cichosz said.
Winona State’s campus security is located in Sheehan Hall and encourages students to report any concern- ing incidents or crime they have witnessed or experienced.
To report an incident or crime, visit the university’s official website, then click on the ‘Safety and Security’ tab. If a student is in immediate need of help, they can dial 507-457-5555. There are also emergency blue-light pillars located across campus that will alert Wino- na State Security when activated.
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