Minneola Twp., MN (August 6, 2026) – Two people were injured on Wednesday, August 5, when a semi-truck overturned on Minnesota Highway 60 in Goodhue County. The crash occurred around 12:52 a.m. near mile marker 175.
A westbound 2016 Peterbilt lost control and rolled on the dry roadway. The driver, 40-year-old Jonathon Lee Rodriguez of Willmar, received non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.
His passenger, 34-year-old Ashley Mae Nelson of Shakopee, was also hurt. She was transported to Mayo Clinic in Cannon Falls with non-life-threatening trauma. Investigators continue reviewing the rollover to determine what caused the truck to leave its normal position.
We hope Rodriguez and Nelson recover steadily.
How Can a Semi-Truck Rollover Injure Drivers and Passengers?
Large trucks have a high center of gravity, making them vulnerable to tipping when balance shifts suddenly. Steering movements, changes in road position, or uneven weight distribution can affect stability.
During a rollover, occupants may move against seat belts, doors, windows, seats, or the roof. An unrestrained passenger can be thrown around the cabin, increasing the risk of head, spinal, chest, and limb trauma.
Travel speed, cargo placement, road shape, and the number of rotations can influence injury severity. Medical evaluations may include scans and observation to identify fractures, concussion, or internal damage that is not immediately visible.
