4 injured in crashes on icy roads

Published 10:37 am Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Four people were injured Wednesday after crashes on slick roads in the Albert Lea area.

None of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening.

Kenneth L. Freeman, 69, of St. James, was transported by ambulance to Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea after a rollover on Interstate 35 near the exit to Trail’s Travel Center, according to the Minnesota State Patrol,

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Freeman was traveling southbound in a 2003 Ford Ranger shortly after 7 a.m. when he lost control of his pickup, entered the median and rolled into the northbound lanes of the interstate, reports stated.

Walter J. Wicks, 67, of Albert Lea was transported to the hospital after a rollover on Interstate 35 near the Ellendale exit.

The State Patrol indicated Wicks was driving southbound on I-35 in a 1997 Hyundai Accent at 7:08 a.m. when he lost control, entered the ditch and rolled.

Neva L. Forsythe, 53, of Glenwood, Iowa, was injured after a 2003 GMC Yukon, driven by her husband Michael R. Forsythe, 53, also of Glenwood, lost control at 8:46 a.m. and struck the bridge rail on Interstate 35 near the U.S. Highway 65 overpass.

Thomas G. Shawback, 18, of Blooming Prairie was injured after he was driving south in a 1994 Chevrolet Camaro on Interstate 35 near milepost 9 and lost control of the vehicle. He reportedly struck the west bridge railing over Albert Lea Lake and then spun and struck the east bridge railing.

The roads were listed as icy during all of the crashes, except the last, and all occupants were wearing their seat belts.

No alcohol was detected.