Burnsville, MN — March 16, 2025, One person was killed following a car accident that occurred at around 9:39 A.M. on I-35 E.

Authorities are investigating after a car accident left one person dead on the morning of March 16th. According to official statements, a Volvo S60 operated by Joseph Bluemke was travelling on I-35 E in the northbound lanes near County Road 11 when for unknown reasons the vehicle lost control, causing the Volvo to leave the roadway where it struck a sign and a fence, followed by a guardrail before stopping on County Rd. 11.

When emergency personnel arrived on the scene they found that Bluemke had been fatally injured and he was pronounced deceased. At this time it is unclear what caused the vehicle to lose control, and so far investigators are still piecing together all the details from the crash, this remains an ongoing investigation however, and additional information may be released by officials at a later date.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope the driver’s loved ones receive the answers they need. While it may seem like a straightforward case of a vehicle losing control, my experience has shown that these types of crashes often have more to them than meets the eye. Before drawing any conclusions, it’s essential to ask three key questions to ensure a full and thorough investigation.

The first question is whether authorities conducted a comprehensive investigation. Law enforcement officers typically document the scene, take witness statements, and assess visible evidence, but the depth of these investigations can vary. In cases where a vehicle strikes multiple objects before coming to a stop, it’s important to determine whether road conditions, visibility issues, or an unexpected obstacle played a role. Investigators should also consider whether another vehicle was involved in any way, even if it didn’t make contact, as drivers sometimes lose control while trying to avoid other motorists.

The second question—one that is often overlooked—is whether a mechanical defect played a role in the crash. The Volvo S60 is equipped with advanced safety and stability systems designed to help prevent loss of control. If a failure occurred—such as a brake malfunction, power steering issue, or an unintended acceleration problem—it could have contributed to the crash. Additionally, if the vehicle’s tires or suspension were compromised, that could have played a role in why the driver was unable to maintain control. However, identifying a defect requires a forensic examination of the vehicle, and if it is not preserved, key evidence may be lost before it can be properly analyzed.

The third question is whether all available electronic data has been collected. Most modern vehicles are equipped with an electronic control module (ECM), which records crucial information such as speed, braking, and steering input leading up to the crash. Additionally, nearby surveillance cameras, dashcam recordings, or even cell phone data could provide valuable insight into what happened. Since electronic data can be lost or overwritten if not secured quickly, investigators must act fast to preserve this critical evidence.

At the end of the day, answering these three questions isn’t just about understanding how this crash happened—it’s about ensuring that the driver’s loved ones have access to the full truth. Serious crashes leave families searching for clarity, and the least we can do as a community is make sure that every possible explanation is explored before reaching any conclusions.