Burnsville, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — A single-vehicle crash on northbound Interstate 35E in Burnsville resulted in a fatality early Sunday morning, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
The incident occurred when the driver of a 2006 Volvo S60 veered off the highway into the right ditch, eventually striking a roadside sign before coming to rest near County Road 11, just below the I-35E overpass.
Emergency crews from Burnsville Police, Fire, and EMS responded quickly to the scene.
The sole occupant of the vehicle, 68-year-old Joseph Ferdinand Bluemke of Burnsville, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that:
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Airbags deployed
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Bluemke was wearing a seat belt
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Alcohol was not a factor
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Road conditions were dry
The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the State Patrol.
Did you know?
Solo vehicle crashes are responsible for nearly 40% of traffic fatalities in Minnesota.
Proper seatbelt use and airbag deployment significantly reduce risk, though some impacts remain fatal.
Roadside signage and fixed objects are common hazards when vehicles leave the roadway at highway speeds.
Further details may be released pending investigation findings and autopsy results.
I’m Chris Harper, and I’m reporting for TRF News.