Midway Township, MN (February 7, 2025) – A two-vehicle collision involving a car and a semi-truck on southbound Interstate 35 in Midway Township resulted in non-life-threatening injuries to a teen driver on Thursday morning.
The incident occurred around 11:11 a.m. near milepost 247, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. A 2013 Chevrolet Impala, driven by 17-year-old Celeste Alexandria Mueller of Hermantown, MN, was traveling southbound on I-35 when she attempted to pass a 2020 Mack Anthem semi-truck in the left lane. Due to icy road conditions, Mueller lost control of her vehicle, causing it to spin out. The semi-truck, driven by 48-year-old Justin Leigh Bloomer of Carlton, MN, was unable to avoid the Impala and struck the driver’s side of the vehicle.
Following the collision, the Impala came to rest on the right shoulder of the highway, while the semi-truck continued southbound and exited at Midway Road. Emergency responders from Mayo Ambulance and St. Louis County Fire assisted at the scene. Mueller sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts, and alcohol was not a factor in the crash.
Authorities reported that snow and ice on the roadway contributed to the accident. The investigation remains ongoing.
Our thoughts are with Celeste Alexandria Mueller, and we wish her a full and speedy recovery.
Winter Driving Hazards and Accidents in Minnesota
Minnesota’s winters often bring hazardous driving conditions, particularly on major highways like Interstate 35. Snow and ice reduce traction, making it difficult for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles, especially when attempting maneuvers such as passing other cars or trucks. Semi-trucks, due to their size and weight, have longer stopping distances and can pose additional risks when other vehicles lose control nearby.
In 2023, Minnesota recorded thousands of winter-related vehicle accidents, many resulting in injuries or fatalities. Young and inexperienced drivers, like the teen involved in this crash, may be particularly vulnerable to losing control on icy roads. Drivers must reduce speed, increase following distance, and avoid sudden maneuvers when road conditions are hazardous.
If you are involved in a winter-related accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Documenting the accident scene, collecting witness statements, and filing a report with law enforcement are essential steps to protect your legal rights. In Minnesota, individuals injured in accidents caused by another driver’s negligence or adverse weather conditions may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a vehicle accident, contact Local Accident Reports for assistance.