FREEMAN TOWNSHIP — Two men died Wednesday in a head-on collision on northbound Interstate 35 one mile north of the Iowa border.

Authorities have identified the men as James D. Winnes, 28, of Albert Lea, and Kirt H. Schmidt, 46, of Owatonna.

The Minnesota State Patrol report states Schmidt was driving the wrong way in a 1995 Mercury Sable, southbound in the northbound lanes, when his car collided with a 1998 Buick LeSabre driven in the left, northbound lane by Winnes.

As a result of the crash, the Buick was pushed into the trailer of a 2013 Volvo tractor, driven by Edward D. Renchin, 52, of Fairmont. The trucker was not injured.

Winnes and Schmidt died at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash and had to be extricated from their vehicles. There were no passengers.

The initial call came to dispatchers at 6:50 p.m., stating the collision happened near mile marker 1 on I-35. The crash was beside the Minnesota Welcome Center rest area.

Why Schmidt was traveling the wrong way on the interstate remains unclear. The State Patrol indicated alcohol was not detected, and all drivers were wearing their seat belts.

Traffic on I-35 was rerouted through the rest area while northbound lanes were blocked.

The Freeborn County and Worth County sheriff’s offices, Glenville Fire Department and Gold Cross Ambulance assisted.

 

Pickup hits car

Two people were injured Wednesday afternoon after a rear-end collision on Freeborn County Road 46 east of Albert Lea.

The Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office stated Matthew David Nemec, 17, of rural Hayward was driving a red 1995 Ford pickup when he reportedly ran into the back of a 2000 Buick, driven by Kathleen Anne Dyrdal, 57, of rural Albert Lea, who was stopped near the intersection of County 46 and 785th Avenue.

Nemec reportedly told deputies he was not paying attention at the time of the crash.

Both were taken to Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea.

The crash was reported at 3:12 p.m.