Torning Township, MN (May 27, 2026) – A tire or rim failure triggered a two-vehicle crash on Highway 12 near 40th Ave SE on Tuesday evening. The collision left one person hurt and brought emergency units to the rural Swift County roadway.
Dennis Everett Erickson, 89, of Mound, Minnesota, was driving a 2016 GMC Sierra westbound on Highway 12 when the crash occurred. On the other hand, Zachary David Friehl, 26, of Willmar, Minnesota, was headed eastbound in a 2022 Chevy Silverado. One of the vehicles lost a tire or rim, causing both to collide.
Erickson was taken to Benson Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, his airbag deployed during the wreck. Friehl and his passenger, Brandt Douglas Sunder, 22, also of Willmar, were uninjured. Neither alcohol nor reckless driving was suspected in connection with either driver.
Road conditions at the time were dry. The crash was reported at approximately 5:49 p.m.
The cause of the tire failure remains under review as part of the ongoing investigation. We wish Erickson a smooth and full recovery.
What Happens When a Tire Failure Causes a Crash on a Rural Highway?
Tire blowouts and rim failures are among the more unpredictable causes of highway crashes. When a tire suddenly fails at speed, a driver can lose steering control almost instantly, making it difficult or impossible to avoid other vehicles. On two-lane rural roads like Highway 12, where oncoming traffic is close and shoulders are narrow, even a brief loss of control can result in a head-on or near-head-on crash. Vehicle age and tire condition are often examined during follow-up reviews. In older vehicles, worn tires or compromised rims may go undetected until failure occurs. Investigators typically look at tire tread depth, inflation history, and any prior damage when determining what caused the failure.
