The Minnesota State Patrol is looking for a semi truck driver who they believe may be responsible for a major pileup crash last week.
The crash occurred during winter weather conditions on Thursday, November 12, on westbound I-94, east of Monticello, Minnesota. The pileup sent 9 people to the hospital and closed down the interstate for hours.
Following investigation into the pileup, the Minnesota State Patrol is asking for public help in locating a truck driver who they say may have contributed to the pileup by stopping in the active lanes of traffic to clear snow from the windshield of his or her truck.
From the Minnesota State Patrol:
State Patrol investigators are seeking information about a semitrailer with a white cab and white trailer that may have been stopped on Interstate 94 near Wright County Road 18 in the traffic lane prior to Thursday’s chain-reaction crash involving 29 vehicles.
Witnesses indicate the semi was stopped on I-94 in the flow of traffic. Witnesses also indicate the driver may have been clearing snow from the windshield. It appears the non-emergency stop may have played a role in starting the chain of events in the crash.
The State Patrol is specifically looking to identify the driver or company of the stopped semi. Those with information are asked to contact the Minnesota State Patrol St. Cloud District Office at 320-223-6666.