A serious two-vehicle collision near Eyota in Olmsted County led to the temporary closure of Interstate 90 on Friday afternoon, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. Authorities confirmed that the crash was fatal, though additional details regarding the victims have not yet been released as the investigation remains ongoing.
The incident occurred around 1:45 p.m. at the intersection of County Road 7 and the eastbound exit ramp from Interstate 90. Preliminary information from the Minnesota State Patrol indicates that a semi-truck driven by a man from Rochester was traveling northbound on County Road 7 at the time of the crash. At the same moment, a Chevrolet Impala occupied by two individuals—a driver from Hayward, Wisconsin, and a passenger from La Crosse—was moving eastbound on the exit ramp, approaching the same intersection.
According to investigators, the semi-truck and the Impala collided as both vehicles entered the intersection. The circumstances leading up to the impact, including potential contributing factors such as right-of-way, driver visibility, speed, or road conditions, have not yet been publicly disclosed. Officials have also not stated whether weather or traffic flow played a role.
Emergency responders, including state troopers, local law enforcement officers, and medical personnel, arrived quickly at the scene. Interstate 90 was shut down for a period of time to allow first responders to access the crash site safely, attend to the victims, and conduct an initial investigation. The closure also ensured that debris could be cleared from the roadway and that the area remained undisturbed for accident reconstruction specialists.
As of Friday evening, authorities confirmed that the crash resulted in at least one fatality. However, the identities of those involved have not yet been released pending family notifications. The Minnesota State Patrol has also not made public whether additional injuries occurred or which occupant or occupants were affected. Investigators typically follow a standardized process in fatal collisions, which includes interviewing witnesses, reviewing vehicle damage, inspecting roadway conditions, and analyzing physical evidence such as skid marks or vehicle resting positions.
Residents and motorists in the Eyota area experienced delays as a result of the temporary interstate closure. Traffic was redirected while crews worked to manage the scene and restore normal roadway operations. Once the initial investigative steps were completed and the involved vehicles were removed, Interstate 90 was reopened.
Fatal crashes at intersections such as this one can involve a range of factors, and the Minnesota State Patrol often provides updated information once investigators have gathered and confirmed key details. In cases involving commercial trucks, additional protocols may be required, including examinations of the truck’s mechanical condition, load weight, and driver hours-of-service compliance.
Local authorities encourage anyone who may have witnessed the collision or observed the vehicles immediately before the impact to contact law enforcement. Witness statements can play an important role in determining how the crash unfolded and whether any charges or citations may be warranted.
The Minnesota State Patrol is expected to release further information as it becomes available, including the identities of those involved, the cause of the crash, and any relevant safety reminders for the public. As of now, the community awaits clarity while officials continue their work to piece together the events that led to the tragic loss of life near Eyota on Friday.
