Austin, MN — A head-on collision between an SUV and a semi-truck on Hwy. 218 resulted in one fatality early Saturday morning.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene shortly after 2:30 a.m. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the accident occurred approximately five miles north of Austin.
The crash involved a southbound SUV and a northbound semi. The driver of the SUV, identified as 31-year-old Lukes James Ball of Austin, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The semi-truck, driven by 39-year-old Labh Singh Banger from Regina, was not injured. However, his passenger, 47-year-old Varinder Bawa, also from Regina, was taken to Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin with non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities confirmed that alcohol was not a factor in the accident, and all occupants were wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision. The investigation is ongoing, but details regarding which vehicle crossed into opposing traffic were not disclosed.
First responders included Mayo Clinic Ambulance, the Austin Fire Department, Blooming Prairie Police Department, and the Mower County Sheriff’s Office. Roadways may experience delays as the investigation continues.