Racine Township, MN (October 8, 2025) – Nineteen-year-old Emmanuel Vargas of Austin was injured Wednesday afternoon when a semi-truck and a car collided on Interstate 90 near Racine Township, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
Accident Details: The crash occurred around 12:36 p.m. in the eastbound lanes of I-90, roughly three miles west of the Stewartville exit. Authorities said Vargas was driving a Lincoln Continental eastbound when it collided with a westbound semi-truck under unclear circumstances. Vargas suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester. The semi-truck driver sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene. Both vehicles sustained major front-end damage, and traffic was slowed for several hours as wreckage and spilled debris were cleared from the roadway.
Investigation: The Minnesota State Patrol is reconstructing the crash to determine what caused the vehicles to meet head-on. Investigators are reviewing skid marks, vehicle positioning, and road conditions. Officials confirmed that neither alcohol nor drugs were factors, and weather conditions were clear at the time of the collision. No citations have been issued, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Legal Considerations: Collisions involving semi-trucks and passenger vehicles often result in significant injuries due to the trucks’ size and weight. Liability assessments typically focus on driver attentiveness, lane position, and safe speed. Injured victims like Vargas may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages if negligence is established. Evidence such as electronic logging data, police reports, and witness statements can be critical in determining fault.
This was a frightening experience for Mr. Vargas and everyone traveling on I-90 that afternoon. I wish him and the truck driver a full and speedy recovery.
Source: ABC 6 News KAAL