Freeborn County, MN (July 23, 2025) – A two-year-old girl was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries following a crash involving an SUV and a semi-truck on Minnesota Highway 69.
Accident Details: The crash occurred in Freeborn County and was reported by the Minnesota State Patrol. According to the state’s crash report, both vehicles were heading northbound on Hwy. 69 when they collided. The child passenger in the SUV suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a hospital. The SUV driver, 22-year-old Samantha Marie Leibeg of Emmons, and the truck driver, Matt Joseph Gehling, 47, of Preston, were uninjured.
Authorities noted that everyone involved was wearing a seatbelt, and alcohol was not a factor in the crash.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: Investigators will likely assess:
- Lane positioning and spacing between vehicles;
- Whether one vehicle was changing lanes or slowing suddenly;
- Blind spots and visibility limitations for the semi driver;
- Distraction, or fatigue; and
- Mechanical issues.
Depending on the investigation’s findings, the injured child’s family may be able to bring a personal injury claim on the child’s behalf.
I wish the injured child a fast recovery, and my thoughts are with all those affected by this accident.
Source: KROC News