Pelican Rapids Man Injured in I-94 Semi Crash Near Glyndon Township

A Pelican Rapids man was hospitalized Wednesday after his sedan collided with a semi tractor-trailer on westbound Interstate 94 near mile marker 10 in Glyndon Township, according to preliminary Minnesota State Patrol reports.

The crash happened at approximately 5:48 a.m. in Clay County, along a stretch of I-94 that serves as a primary corridor connecting the Fergus Falls and Detroit Lakes areas to points west. Both vehicles were traveling westbound when they collided, leaving the sedan with significant damage.

State troopers, area ambulance crews and local fire departments responded to the scene. The Pelican Rapids man was removed from his vehicle and transported to a regional hospital for evaluation and treatment. No life-threatening injuries to other parties were immediately reported; the semi driver was treated for shock and minor injuries on scene.

The collision briefly slowed or closed westbound lanes during the early morning commute while crews cleared the wreckage and managed traffic flow.

The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating the cause, examining whether speed, distraction, impairment, vehicle malfunction or roadway conditions contributed. The 5:48 a.m. hour placed the crash squarely in the low-light window troopers have repeatedly flagged as among the most hazardous on the interstate.

The injured driver's name had not been released as of early Thursday, pending family notification and records processing. The State Patrol is expected to issue a crash report number and additional findings after completing its reconstruction and witness interviews.

Troopers renewed a standing reminder for motorists on I-94: move over and reduce speed when passing emergency responders working on the shoulder.