Minn. Patrol: Speed factor in crash that killed 4

The Minnesota State Patrol says speed contributed to a February crash that killed four North Dakota State University students on their way back to school.

The patrol also concluded that the driver was not driving for the conditions. It was snowing, visibility was reduced and Interstate 94 was slippery when the crash happened near Alexandria.

Sgt. Jesse Grabow tells KFGO-AM the driver, 18-year-old Lauren Peterson of Prior Lake, was traveling at 78 mph when she lost control.

The investigation found no evidence of drinking or drug use by the driver, and she was not talking on her phone or texting.

The car crossed the median and collided with an SUV. All four of the young women killed in the crash were returning to Fargo, N.D., from the Minneapolis area.

"Although there was inclement weather that day, the speed was identified the factor as most contributing to the crash," said State Patrol Lt. Eric Roeske.

MPR News reporter Matt Sepic contributed to this story.

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