Summit Twp, MN (February 19, 2026) – An injury crash involving two commercial vehicles was reported Wednesday night on northbound Interstate 35 in Steele County. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a 2020 Kenworth semi traveling north on I-35 collided with a 2007 Freightliner tow truck that was stopped on the right shoulder while pulling out another vehicle. The crash occurred near milepost 28 in Summit Twp. Both drivers sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Key Details
- Reported: February 18 at 10:01 p.m.
- Location: Northbound Interstate 35 at milepost 28, Summit Twp, Steele County
- Type: Injury crash involving semi and tow truck
- Injuries: Both drivers reported non-life-threatening injuries
- Response Agencies: Steele County Sheriff’s Office and Ellendale Ambulance
What We Know So Far
- The Freightliner tow truck was stopped on the right shoulder while working to pull out another vehicle.
- The Kenworth semi was traveling northbound on I-35 when it collided with the tow truck.
- The 59-year-old driver of the Kenworth was transported to Owatonna Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
- The 41-year-old driver of the tow truck sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was not transported.
- Authorities indicated that alcohol was not suspected.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The exact circumstances leading to the collision.
- Whether any citations will be issued.
- The extent of damage to the vehicles involved.
- Whether traffic delays continued after the initial response.
Northbound Interstate 35 near milepost 28 in Summit Twp serves as a key route through Steele County, carrying both passenger and commercial traffic at highway speeds. Incidents involving vehicles stopped on the shoulder, particularly tow trucks assisting disabled vehicles, can present additional risks due to limited space and reduced reaction time for approaching drivers. When crashes occur in these situations, agencies such as the Steele County Sheriff’s Office and Ellendale Ambulance typically work to secure the shoulder and adjacent lanes while checking for injuries and documenting vehicle positions. Investigators often review how traffic conditions and vehicle placement along the shoulder may have contributed before releasing further information.
What to Do Next
- If your vehicle cannot be moved safely, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives, especially on busy roads.
- Follow directions from police or emergency personnel and use caution around emergency vehicles and traffic changes.
- Request the incident or report number from responding officers if one is provided.
- Check traffic advisories before traveling through the area, as delays can develop quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should drivers do when approaching an active crash scene?
Drivers should slow down, move over when possible, and remain alert for emergency vehicles and personnel working near the roadway.
Why are freeway crashes considered especially hazardous?
Freeways like I-35 involve higher speeds and limited shoulder space, which can increase the severity of crashes and the likelihood of secondary collisions.
Why might lanes remain blocked after injured people are helped?
Even after medical care is provided, officers may keep lanes or shoulders closed while documenting the scene, clearing debris, and ensuring the roadway is safe to reopen.
Source
Read the original coverage here: original report.
