Driver Airlifted to Rochester After Falling Asleep and Crashing

Albert Lea, MN (KROC-AM News)- A motorist is believed to be fighting for his life after crashing in southern Minnesota Monday morning.

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The Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office says deputies and first responders were dispatched to the crash around 10:44 a.m.

Upon arrival emergency personnel found a pick-up truck on its side in the southern ditch of a rural road.

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A news release issued by the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office identifies the driver as 61-year-old Lowell Bangert of Albert Lea.

Authorities found his crashed pick-up in the 72000 block of Freeborn County Rd. 46, just west of Albert Lea.

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The crash investigation indicates Bangert was traveling west on County Rd. 46 when he fell asleep at the wheel.

His pick-up continued straight at a curve in the road and entered the ditch. It then struck an electrical box, traveled over a driveway, collided with an electrical pole then rolled onto its passenger side, the news release says.

photo by Kim David/Townsquare Media

Bangert was airlifted from the scene by Mayo One helicopter to St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester. Authorities say he suffered potentially life-threatening injuries.

The news release says alcohol was not a factor in causing the crash.