Freeborn County, MN (June 4, 2025) — A 69-year-old woman from Austin was hospitalized Tuesday afternoon after a collision with a semi-truck on Interstate 90 eastbound near Albert Lea, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
Incident Details: The crash occurred at approximately 3:26 p.m. near milepost 158 in Bancroft Township, about one mile east of Albert Lea. Authorities say Titian Elizabeth Butash was driving a 2007 Ford Focus when her vehicle collided with a 2020 Peterbilt semi-truck driven by 33-year-old Spencer John Theis of Belle Plaine. Butash was transported by ambulance to the Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin with injuries that were described as non-life-threatening. Theis was not injured in the collision.
Both drivers were wearing seat belts, and investigators have confirmed that alcohol was not a factor. Emergency responders from the Clarks Grove Fire Department and the Mayo Clinic Ambulance assisted at the scene.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: Authorities continue investigating and will likely examine lane positioning, vehicle speeds, and whether either party made a sudden maneuver. Visibility, driver distraction, or a failure to yield may also be contributing factors.
Depending on the investigation’s findings, Butash may be entitled to file a personal injury claim to recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
I wish Titian Butash a full and swift recovery.
Sources: Albert Lea Tribune, ABC 6 News / KAAL