(Learfield News Service/Independence, MN) — A teenage girl from Delano is the victim in a deadly crash involving a car and semi on Highway 12 in Independence.
The West Hennepin Public Safety Department says a vehicle driven by 18-year-old Marleena Dieterich lost control on the icy road, crossed the center line and collided with the truck. Dieterich died at the scene Saturday.
The 50-year-old Princeton man driving the rig told police he tried to swerve but was unable to avoid the collision.
There have been a number of fatalities on this stretch of Highway 12 which is a MnDOT crash reduction area. Safety upgrades are planned in the next two years including concrete barriers and a roundabout.
