BREAKING: A 27-year-old Rochester man was injured in a serious accident involving a box truck on Highway 42 this morning, December 18, 2025. The collision occurred around 9:30 a.m. near 75th Street Northeast, as the vehicles were traveling northbound.
According to a report from the Minnesota State Patrol, the man was driving a 2019 Toyota Rav4 when the accident took place. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was swiftly transported to Mayo Clinic Hospital-Saint Marys for treatment. Notably, he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, which authorities say may have contributed to the severity of his injuries.
The 40-year-old driver of the 2026 Freightliner box truck, hailing from Menomonie, Wisconsin, emerged uninjured from the incident. Weather conditions at the time were reported as wet, raising concerns about road safety.
Emergency response teams, including the Wabasha County Sheriff’s Office, Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office, Plainview Police Department, Elgin Fire Department, and Elgin Ambulance Service, quickly arrived at the scene to assist.
As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of seatbelt use and caution in adverse weather conditions.
Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available regarding the ongoing investigation and the recovery of the injured driver. This developing story highlights the critical need for vigilance on the roads, especially during rainy weather.
