Stearns County (trfnews.i234.me) — A pickup truck broke through the lake ice near Horseshoe Lake in Munson Township.
What happened
Deputies were called at about 5:10 p.m. on January 29, 2026.
A 911 caller said the driver was out of the water.
The caller also said the driver was safe.
When deputies arrived, they saw the front of a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado underwater.
The truck sat partly submerged near Eastway Court.
The driver was identified as Joshua Blommer, 30, of Richmond.
Blommer told deputies he drove onto the lake from shore.
He said he was about 50 to 75 feet out.
He said the front end dropped fast.
He said the truck sank right away.
Blommer got out of the cab quickly.
He made it back to shore without injury.
Officials said no other people were in the truck.
The ice was thin near the break
Deputies checked the ice near the hole.
They found about five inches of ice in that spot.
They believed other parts of the lake had thicker ice.
They estimated about 19 inches in many areas.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources assisted at the scene.
The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office did not report any injuries.
It did not report any charges in the incident.
Safety reminder for lake users
Officials warned the public about thin ice.
They said ice can change over short distances.
They also warned that currents can weaken ice.
The Minnesota DNR ice safety page says ice is never 100% safe.
The DNR also says it does not measure ice thickness on lakes.
It urges people to check the thickness often.
The DNR also posts ice thickness guidelines for new, clear ice.
Those guides list about 13 inches for a medium truck.
They also note snow and slush can weaken ice.
Safety gear can help if you fall through.
- Carry ice picks or ice claws.
- Bring a throw rope.
- Wear a float suit if you have one.
- Tell someone where you are going.
More information
For ice safety tips, visit the Minnesota DNR.
For local updates, see the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office website.
If you see someone fall in, call 911 first.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
Don’t believe it. TRUCK was just really Thirsty