4 dead after semitruck slams into stopped traffic in Minnesota

2 adults, 2 children killed in multivehicle crash

Four people, including two children, are dead after a crash in Minnesota involving a semitruck in a construction zone. (Photo: Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock)

Four people, including two children, are dead after a crash in Minnesota involving a semitruck in a construction zone.

The five-vehicle crash, which occurred Wednesday on U.S. Highway 2 near Nelson Road in Arrowhead Township, killed Blackduck residents Vincent Louis Dow, 65; Bonnie Mae Dow, 66; Hope Mae Oakgrove, 9; and Charlotte White, 9. 

Authorities said a GMC Acadia, Ford Escape, Mack Semi and Honda Pilot were stopped in traffic due to construction when a 2009 International 9900 semitruck, traveling at highway speeds, crashed into them. The four people killed were in the Honda. Some of those in the other vehicles suffered minor injuries.

The driver of the International 9900, a 63-year-old Grand Rapids man, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Local television station Northern News Now reported that a judge approved a search warrant to obtain a blood sample from the semitruck driver. An officer said the driver had a slow reaction time and slow motor movement and that he appeared groggy and lethargic while hospitalized, the station reported. 

It did not appear that any charges had been filed in the deadly crash as of Monday. Authorities said in a preliminary report that it is unclear if alcohol was a factor in the crash.

Upcoming FreightWaves Events
AI

Supply Chain AI Symposium

Past the hype. Join operators, founders, and enterprise leaders figuring out how to deploy AI in supply chain.

July 15, 2026
The Old Post • Chicago, IL
Register Now
FreightTech

F3: Future of Freight Festival

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

October 27, 2026 – October 28, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
AI Supply Chain AI Symposium Jul 15 • The Old Post • Chicago, IL

Past the hype. Join operators, founders, and enterprise leaders figuring out how to deploy AI in supply chain.

The Old Post • Chicago, IL Register Now
FreightTech F3: Future of Freight Festival Oct 27 – Oct 28 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now