Until 8 p.m. includes Twin Cities area

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

The Minnesota State Patrol is reporting slippery conditions in some parts of the state during the Monday morning commute. Icy conditions led to at least one death in a crash between a car and van in Carver County.

The fatal crash occurred just before 7:30 a.m. on U.S. Hwy. 212 in Chanhassen, according to state patrol spokesperson Lt. Tiffani Schweigart. The state patrol describes the accident on the four-lane highway as a "broadside." The driver of the Buick LaCrosse died, but has not yet been identified pending family notification.

Eastbound Hwy. 212 was closed for several hours this morning because of the crash. The lanes were reopened by late morning, according to 


Roads were icy primarily on the western side of the state on Monday morning.


"We're right at that freezing point, and whenever we have that and the sun coming up, we can have some slippery spots on the roadway," Schweigart said. "So certainly drivers should be aware of that."

Snow and icy weather predicted later this week likely mark the start of the winter driving season in Minnesota. Schweigart said drivers should allow extra time for travel and stay more aware in areas like under or on bridges that tend to ice up. 

"If you do feel like your vehicle is starting to lose traction, take your foot off the gas," Schweigart said. "I would try to steer out of that, versus slamming on the brake."

Lifestyle

Jon Collins

Author

Eastbound U.S. Hwy. 212 was closed for several hours this morning following the accident. The State Patrol reported slippery conditions in some parts of the state Monday and urged drivers to be cautious.

Eastbound Hwy. 212 in Chanhassen reopened after fatal crash

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox