I-35 near Faribault reopens after crash

(ABC 6 News) – UPDATE: I-35 was reopened to traffic just before 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

The interstate was closed for over 6 hours after a fiery crash involving two semis.

The Minnesota State Patrol (MSP) said just before Noon on Wednesday, two semi trucks were both traveling southbound on I-35 when they collided near mile post 62 in Faribault.

The driver of one semi, Dennis Brown, 79, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was transported to the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis with life-threatening injuries, according to the MSP.

The MSP said the other semi driver is a 65-year-old male from Topeka, Kansas. More information about his condition is expected to be released on Thursday.

The MSP was assisted at the scene by the Rice County Sheriff, Faribault Fire Department, North Ambulance & Aircare, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation.


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(ABC 6 News) – A fiery crash that happened around noon Wednesday has closed a stretch of southbound I-35 near Faribault, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).

The State Patrol says two semis driven by a 65-year-old Topeka, Kansas man and a 79-year-old Sioux Falls, South Dakota man collided.

There are injuries, but it’s unknown how severe.

Credit: MnDOT

MnDOT says I-35 southbound between Exit 66 (Millersburg Blvd.) and MN 21 (Faribault) is closed to all traffic except emergency vehicles.

Drivers who may need to travel on I-35 in this area are urged to use an alternate route.

The video below submitted to ABC 6 News shows the aftermath of the crash.

Credit: Dustin Hanson

ABC 6 News will provide additional information when it becomes available.