Albert Lea Twp, MN (June 20, 2026) – One person was hurt in a three-vehicle crash on Thursday afternoon on northbound Interstate 35 near Milepost 10 in Albert Lea Township.
The crash occurred at approximately 3:49 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, in Freeborn County. According to authorities, a 2019 Chevrolet Blazer, a 2020 Nissan Rogue, and a 2021 Chevrolet Blazer were all traveling north on I-35 when they collided.
Thomas Gene Anderson, 34, of Winnebago, Iowa, was driving the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Mayo Clinic for treatment. Brenda Sue Bangs, 52, of Glenville, Minnesota, who was driving the Nissan Rogue, and Lisa Ann Bettin, 64, of Altoona, Iowa, who was driving the second Chevrolet Blazer, were not injured.
Airbags deployed in the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer and the Nissan Rogue. All three drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
Investigators are continuing to review the circumstances surrounding the collision. We wish the injured driver a full and speedy recovery.
What Factors Are Usually Examined in Multi-Vehicle Highway Crashes?
Crashes involving three or more vehicles can occur when traffic conditions change quickly, and drivers have limited time to react. On interstate highways, vehicles often travel at similar speeds and in close proximity, increasing the likelihood of chain-reaction crashes.
Investigators typically review vehicle positions, traffic flow, following distances, and roadway conditions when examining these crashes. Information from vehicle damage and witness accounts may also help clarify the sequence of contact.
Even on dry pavement, drivers can face challenges when traffic slows unexpectedly or when the space between vehicles is reduced. Maintaining adequate following distance and remaining attentive to changing traffic patterns can help lower the risk of multi-vehicle highway collisions.
