Car reportedly crosses centerline, strikes another

A Bricelyn woman was injured Wednesday evening in a car crash in Faribault County that left one man dead and another seriously injured.

Alberto Gracia-Palacios, 19, of St. James was reportedly driving a 2002 Chevy Cavalier south on U.S. Highway 169 between Winnebago and Blue Earth when he reportedly crossed the centerline and struck a northbound Pontiac Grand Prix shortly after 7 p.m., according to the Minnesota State Patrol.

The Grand Prix was driven by Dena M. Tangen-Herbst, 29, of Bricelyn.

According to the State Patrol, Gracia-Palacios died at the scene, and Tangen-Herbst was transported to the hospital in Blue Earth with injuries deemed not life-threatening.

Devon Schmitz, 19, of LaSalle, a passenger in the Cavalier, was transported to the hospital in Blue Earth with serious injuries.

All of the occupants were wearing their seat belts, and no alcohol was detected, according to the State Patrol.

Roads were icy at the time of the crash. The report lists the crash as a sideswipe.

The Faribault County Sheriff’s Office, Winnebago Fire & Rescue, Blue Earth Fire & Rescue, Winnebago Ambulance, Blue Earth Ambulance, Blue Earth Police Department and St. James Police Department assisted the State Patrol.