Alcohol Possible Factor In Fiery, Fatal South Metro Crash: Sheriff

SCOTT COUNTY, MN — Alcohol may have been a factor in a deadly single-car crash that took place just after midnight on Saturday in Cedar Lake Township, according to the Scott County Sheriff's Office.

"We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family of the victim in this incident," said Sheriff Luke Hennen in a news release.

"I want to remind all drivers to never get behind the wheel if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Please choose to be responsible if you ever find yourself in a situation in which you cannot safely drive yourself or others home. Call a friend, family member, or use one of the many ridesharing apps that are available on your mobile device."

At about 12:50 a.m., authorities responded to a report of a crash on 240th Street East, just west of Cedar Lake Drive in Cedar Lake Township.

At the scene, deputies found a pickup truck fully engulfed in flames and a woman near by.

According to investigators, a 2022 Dodge Ram with two people inside was going westbound on 240th Street East when the driver "failed to negotiate a turn" and drove into the tree line, which caused the truck to start on fire.

The front passenger, a 67-year-old women from New Prague, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was able to escape the truck. She was transported by ambulance to St. Francis Regional Hospital in Shakopee.

The driver, identified as Dennis Wayne Ensfield, 70, of New Prague was declared dead at the scene.

"There was evidence recovered at the scene which suggests that alcohol may have been a factor," the sheriff's office.