Distracted Driving Suspected in Fatal Minnesota Head-on Crash

Independence, MN (KROC-AM News)- A head-on crash on a Minnesota highway claimed one motorist's life and sent another driver to the hospital.

See Also: Young Girl Critically Injured in Rochester Crash Has Died

It happened shortly after 10:00 Friday night. The fatal collision caused the highway to be closed for approximately five hours.

A news release issued by West Hennepin Public Safety says the deadly crash occurred on Hwy. 12 in Independence, which is about 25 miles west of Minneapolis.

Google

Montrose, MN Man Killed in Head-on Crash on Hwy. 12 Near Minneapolis

An eastbound car and westbound SUV collided on the highway after one of the vehicles crossed the centerline. The news release does not say which vehicle entered the opposite lane.

Get our free mobile app

32-year-old Destin Michael Ertel was driving the car. The Montrose, MN man was pronounced dead at the scene by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner.

35-year-old Charles Darland of Bloomington was identified as the SUV driver. He was transported to a hospital where he is in serious but stable condition, the news release says.

West Hennepin Public Safety news release

Authorities say distraction was a factor in the deadly crash. It's not known if either of the drivers were suspected of being impaired and both drivers were alone in their vehicles.

The fatal head-on crash is under investigation.