23-car crash shuts down Highway 169 at Excelsior Blvd

HOPKINS, Minn. (KMSP) - A crash involving 23 vehicles shut down southbound Highway 169 at Excelsior Boulevard near Hopkins, Minnesota, early Friday morning. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the pileup started when one vehicle lost traction on the ice, hit the wall and struck another car. Other vehicles coming into the area tried to brake or change lanes, sparking a chain reaction due to the icy road.

The crash happened at about 6 a.m. At 6:42 a.m., the State Patrol said the anticipated clear time would be at least two hours. The State Patrol announced the highway had reopened just after 8:30 a.m.

The State Patrol confirmed there were three injuries as a result of the crash. One person was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. 

An icy Friday morning, with temperatures below zero, caused major problems on Twin Cities highways for the commute. The State Patrol responded to a total of 165 crashes (15 with injuries) and 40 vehicle spinouts from midnight to 10 a.m.

During Thursday's snowfall, the Minnesota State Patrol responded to 274 crashes (30 with injuries), 141 spinouts and 10 jackknifed semis statewide, from midnight to 8:30 p.m.

The Minnesota State Patrol offers these reminders about driving in winter-weather conditions: 

Overpasses can be unexpectedly slick during the winter months. Slow down and increase your following distance. 

Keep your eyes to the horizon so you can see vehicles braking ahead of you. 

Give yourself extra time to get to your destination over the winter months and in inclement weather.

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