Steele County, Minnesota (February 18, 2026) — Two drivers were injured Wednesday night after a semi-truck collided with a tow truck along Interstate 35 in southern Minnesota, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
Authorities identified the tow truck driver as Joshua David Manges, of Albert Lea. The semi-truck driver was identified as Sergio Rivas, of Las Cruces, New Mexico.
The crash occurred around 10:00 p.m. on northbound Interstate 35 near mile marker 28.
Incident Details: According to the Minnesota State Patrol, Manges was operating a 2007 Freightliner tow truck that was stopped on the right shoulder of northbound I-35. He was in the process of exiting a vehicle when the collision occurred.
A 2020 Kenworth semi-truck driven by Rivas was traveling northbound on I-35 when it struck the tow truck.
Both Manges and Rivas sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Rivas was transported to Owatonna Hospital for treatment. Authorities have not specified whether Manges was transported or treated at the scene.
The Steele County Sheriff’s Office and Ellendale Ambulance assisted at the crash site.
Investigation: The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. In crashes involving stopped emergency or service vehicles on highway shoulders, investigators typically examine lane positioning, lighting conditions, visibility, and compliance with “Move Over” laws.
Minnesota’s “Move Over” statute requires drivers approaching a stopped emergency or service vehicle displaying flashing lights to move over to the adjacent lane when possible or significantly reduce speed. Investigators will likely evaluate whether the semi-truck driver had sufficient time and space to change lanes or slow down safely.
Crash reconstruction may include analysis of skid marks, event data recorders from the Kenworth semi, and any dash camera footage. Nighttime visibility, reflective markings on the tow truck, and traffic conditions at the time of the collision may also factor into the findings.
Authorities have not announced any citations or charges. The investigation remains ongoing.
Legal Considerations: Collisions involving roadside service vehicles frequently center on whether approaching drivers exercised reasonable care under prevailing conditions. Commercial truck drivers, in particular, are held to heightened safety standards due to the size and stopping distance of their vehicles.
Although both drivers are reported to have sustained non-life-threatening injuries, the outcome of the investigation could lead Manges and Rivas to pursue personal injury claims for lost wages and other expenses related to the crash.
I extend wishes for a full and speedy recovery to Joshua David Manges and Sergio Rivas.
Source: KIMT