Truck driver killed in crash on I-35W in Anoka County

Star Tribune

Last update: July 11, 2009 - 12:21 AM

A Mack truck and two vehicles were involved in a rollover accident Friday afternoon on Interstate 35W north of the Twin Cities, killing the truck driver, authorities said.

The crash happened about 2:15 p.m. on 35W near Lexington in Anoka County, according to the State Patrol.

The name of the dead driver was scheduled to be released this morning. One of the other drivers and her passenger were hurt, but neither injury was life threatening, the patrol said.

Traffic was snarled in both directions shortly after the crash. One lane was closed in each direction until about 5:30 p.m.

Along with the State Patrol, the Anoka County Sheriff's Office and police from Blaine, Centennial Lakes and Lion Lakes responded.

On Thursday, a tractor-trailer truck went out of control near Hastings, hit a power pole and ignited a grass fire, leaving the driver dead, authorities said.

The crash happened shortly after 3 p.m. Thursday near County Road 46 and Goodwin Avenue, the Dakota County Sheriff's Office said.

Killed was the truck's driver, Franklin D. Conley, of Ardmore, Okla. His rig was carrying empty containers at the time, the Sheriff's Office said. No other vehicles were involved.

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