Semi truck collides with car in north Minneapolis, injuring 3

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - Three people were injured Monday afternoon after a semi truck and car collided at the intersection of Dowling Avenue North and Fremont Avenue North in Minneapolis.

According to Minneapolis police spokesperson John Elder, around 1:40 p.m., a semi truck traveling west on Dowling struck a car traveling north on Fremont. Preliminary investigation suggests the semi may have gone through a red light. 

"Tires got to popping, explosions. I had to tell everyone to get back," one witness said.

Some neighbors call the intersection of Dowling and Fremont Avenue North "accident corner.” And after the most recent crash there, it certainly lived up to its nickname.

"It's one of the worst accidents that's ever happened on this block," witness Gevonn Foster said.

Police say the semi truck was heading west on Dowling when it ran a red light and crashed into a silver Ford Focus that was heading north on Fremont. Paramedics had to use the jaws of life to remove two women from the car. They and a young female passenger were taken to North Memorial Medical Center, and they are all expected to be ok.

"It happened so fast. It went straight and leaned right into the store," a witness said.

The truck carrying frozen fish came to rest just feet from a nearby convenience store. Firefighters had to put down sand to prevent 200 gallons of diesel fuel from a ruptured fuel tank from getting into the storm sewers.

"It was a very violent crash. A lot of damage to the truck and the car, but it could have been much worse. Luckily, there was no loss of life," said Randy Miller, Minneapolis Battalion Chief.

Police say the accident was captured on city surveillance cameras, which could shed some light on what led up to the crash.

"My advice is be safe anytime you are walking around here, going to the store. Anything can happen,” Foster said.