LeHillier, MN (May 9, 2025) — A 24-year-old North Mankato man was hospitalized Friday morning following a collision between a Hyundai Sonata and a semi-truck at a busy highway intersection just southwest of Mankato, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
Incident Details: The crash occurred at 8:26 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 169 and Highway 68. Authorities say Kevin Kipkemboi Lagat was driving a Hyundai Sonata southbound on Highway 169 when a Freightliner semi-truck, operated by 47-year-old Michael Davidbrian Coles of Flint, Michigan, attempted to turn northbound onto Highway 169 from southbound Highway 68. The vehicles collided during the turn.
Lagat sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a Mankato-area hospital for treatment. Coles was not injured, and road conditions were reported as dry during the crash.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: The Minnesota State Patrol continues investigating the incident. Key factors will likely include whether Coles failed to yield, whether proper turning procedures were followed, and whether visibility or signage contributed to the crash.
Pending the investigation’s findings, Lagat may be entitled to pursue a personal injury claim for compensation related to medical expenses, vehicle damage, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Source: Mankato Free Press