State Patrol: Tanker Semi Crashed Into Slowing Traffic on Hwy 52, Leaving St. Paul Woman with Life-Threatening Injuries
Published: April 23, 2026 | Last Updated: April 23, 2026 at 12:25 pm.
ST. PAUL, MN: Newly released details from the Minnesota State Patrol shed light on a serious three-vehicle crash involving two semi-trucks and an SUV that left a St. Paul woman with life-threatening injuries.
The crash occurred at approximately 2:34 p.m. on April 21, 2026, along northbound Highway 52 at Plato Boulevard in St. Paul during the height of rush hour traffic.
Crash Details Released
According to the completed state patrol investigation, traffic on northbound Highway 52 was slowing to a stop when the crash occurred. A 2013 Infiniti JX35 SUV and a semi truck pulling a box trailer were traveling in the right lane and slowing with traffic.
Investigators say a tanker semi traveling behind them failed to slow in time and struck both vehicles at highway speeds.
Injuries Reported
The driver of the SUV, identified as a 45-year-old female of St. Paul, suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to Regions Hospital.
The drivers of the two semi-trucks were not injured:
A 58-year-old male from Eagle Bend was driving the tanker semi
A 38-year-old male from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was driving the box trailer
Authorities noted that alcohol was not a factor for any of the drivers. Seat belt use and airbag deployment were not confirmed in the report.
Scene Response and Conditions
The St. Paul Fire Department assisted at the scene. Road conditions were reported as dry at the time of the crash.
The crash caused significant traffic disruption, forcing the closure of northbound Highway 52 and detouring vehicles onto the East Lafayette Frontage Road during the response and investigation.
The Minnesota State Patrol has indicated that the information in the report is believed to be complete, but there were no additional details regarding citations or charges have been released at this time.
Further updates would be provided if any enforcement actions are taken.
Written By: Will Wight
