Wrong-Way Driver Dies After Crashing into SUV on I-35E
The aftermath of a wrong-way crash on I-35E in Eagan early Saturday, July 15, 2023. Submitted
A drunk driver who was wrong-way on I-35E early Saturday morning near Cliff Rd. in Eagan crashed head-on into a GMC Yukon, causing the closure of the southbound lanes of the interstate for hours.
The driver who caused the crash, Nraughli Vang, 28, of South St. Paul, was under the influence of alcohol, the Patrol said. He had life-threatening injuries and was taken to Regions Hospital, where he later died.
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The three occupants inside the GMC Yukon had life-threatening injuries and were wearing their seatbelts. The Patrol said a 60-year-old woman, a 57-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman, all from Albert Lea, were transported to Regions Hospital. The Patrol initially said their injuries were not life-threatening but later updated an incident report Sunday to list all three as with life-threatening injury.
Traffic camera video showed the aftermath of the crash, with debris from the collision strewn across the southbound lanes. DOT trucks were called in to block the lanes at Diffley Rd. as the wreckage was cleared and the crash was investigated.
A photo submitted to MN CRIME also showed the extent of the damage to the Toyota Celica, with a majority of its front end destroyed.
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