Two People Critically Injured in Single Vehicle Crash on M-26

Two people were airlifted to UPHS – Marquette after a single-car crash required extraction efforts. Last night, Keweenaw County Sheriff Deputies came across a single-vehicle crash on M-26 near Cat Harbor in Eagle Harbor Township. A vehicle driven by 21-year-old Jack Kilpela of Hancock was traveling westbound on M-26 when the driver failed to negotiate a curve. The vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. Both the Driver, Kilpela, and a female passenger, also 21 years old, were both critically injured. The crash victims were extracted from the vehicle by the Copper Harbor Volunteer Fire Department. And transferred to Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital. Where they were later airlifted to UPHS–Marquette. The Keweenaw County Sheriff reports that alcohol and speed are believed to be factors in the crash, and the investigation is ongoing. Keweenaw county was assisted by MSP troopers, the Houghton county sheriff, Eagle harbor volunteer fire, and Eagle Harbor First responders.