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12 injured after pickup slams into Mpls apartment building

Police describe the injuries as 'minor.'

MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis police say 12 people suffered minor injuries when a pickup truck slammed into an apartment building on the city's north side.

The crash happened at a six-unit, two-story brick building at the intersection of N. Lowry and Colfax avenues around 9:30 p.m. on Friday.  

Police spokesman John Elder says he did not have information about whether the injured were in the truck, on the sidewalk or in the building.

Elder says the crash appears to be the result of a medical condition suffered by the driver. He says alcohol is not believed to have played a role.

Russ McLaughlin was watching TV in his apartment when he says the pickup launched into the building, through his window, and landed on top of him.

Credit: KARE
The inside of Russ McLaughlin's apartment building after a pickup slammed into it.

"I heard a crash or a bang. I don't even know how to describe it," he said, "I heard an engine running and then I saw a tire on me."

McLaughlin says he pulled himself out and made it outside with only scrapes and bruises.

"Six inches more and I wouldn't be here," he said.

Credit: kare
Russ McLaughlin stands outside his apartment building Saturday, a day after a pickup slammed into the front of the building.

Signs on the door to the building Saturday deemed it 'uninhabitable.' 

We have been told the Red Cross is assisting residents of the apartment building.

Credit: KARE

"I got God to thank for keeping me alive. That's about all I can tell you," McLaughlin said. 

No word on the condition of the driver of the pickup. 

McLaughlin's girlfriend, who lives with him in the apartment says they're on disability and don't have renter's insurance. A family member has set up a GoFundMe to help them get new furniture and find a new place to live. 

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