Wilmar, MN — January 7, 2025, Terry Vreeman was killed in a truck accident at about 7:15 a.m. on U.S. Route 71.

Authorities said a 2018 Peterbuilt Straight Truck was driving north with its dump box elevated when it crashed into a railroad bridge.

Driver Terry Allen Vreeman, 67, died at a local hospital after the crash, according to authorities.

Rail traffic reportedly was halted for a time after the crash, but inspectors determined the bridge had not been damaged by the truck's impact.

The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Crashes like this one bring attention to the unique risks associated with operating heavy equipment. These incidents highlight the importance of attention to equipment settings and situational awareness while driving.

The key issue in this crash is why the dump box was elevated as the truck traveled under the bridge. Dump trucks are designed with safety mechanisms to alert drivers when equipment like the dump box is not fully lowered. Investigators should determine whether such systems were functioning properly or if they were disabled or ignored. Additionally, they should examine whether operator error or a mechanical failure contributed to the situation.

Another important question is whether the driver was aware that the dump box was elevated. Modern dump trucks often have warning lights or audible alarms to alert drivers of unsafe conditions. If these warnings were absent or ineffective, that could indicate a failure in the truck’s design or maintenance. Investigators should review maintenance records and the truck’s operating history to identify any potential issues.

The height of the railroad bridge and whether it was clearly marked is also a factor worth examining. Was the bridge’s clearance prominently displayed, and was the signage adequate to warn drivers of potential hazards? While an elevated dump box would likely exceed the height of most bridges, clear signage is still a critical component of roadway safety.

Lastly, the impact on rail traffic underscores the broader consequences of such crashes. Even though the bridge was determined to be undamaged, the collision highlights the risks posed to surrounding infrastructure when heavy equipment is involved in a crash. This emphasizes the need for stringent safety protocols and operator training to prevent such incidents.

This crash illustrates how seemingly minor oversights, like an elevated dump box, can lead to severe consequences. A thorough investigation into the truck’s equipment, the driver’s actions and the conditions on U.S. Route 71 will be essential to understanding what went wrong and identifying steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.