Semi-trailer sinks in icy pond by I-94

By Tim Nelson, Minnesota Public Radio News

Photo courtesy Minnesota State Patrol

A semi-trailer headed eastbound on Interstate 94 drove off the road onto a pond near Monticello this morning, then broke through the thin ice and sank.

State Patrol spokesman Eric Roeske said that the driver, 35-year-old John Nettifee, of Anoka, escaped with minor injuries after crossing the interstate median and driving through a break in oncoming traffic.

Grow the Future of Public Media

MPR's budget year comes to a close on June 30. Help us close the gap by becoming a Sustainer today. When you make a recurring monthly gift, your gift will be matched by the MPR Member Fund for a whole year!

The accident happened just after 6 a.m. this morning, on the western end of the Minnesota Department of Transportation's test facility on I-94.

Roeske said arrangements are under way to get the truck winched out of the water.

More photos from the Minnesota State Patrol: