Wisconsin man facing criminal charges after crash in Renville County causes explosion

RENVILLE COUNTY, Minn. (KEYC) - The Renville County Sheriff’s Office said a Wisconsin man is facing charges after a crash caused an explosion just north of Renville Tuesday night.

Authorities say at around 6:54 p.m., the sheriff’s office received a 911 call reporting a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of County Road 6 and 840th Avenue, where the caller also stated an explosion had occurred.

A preliminary investigation reportedly found that a Peterbilt semi-truck and trailer was traveling south on County Road 6, passing by 840th Avenue. At the same time, a Chevrolet Tahoe was traveling west on 840th Avenue and failed to stop at the stop sign.

The two vehicles then collided before entering the ditch, when authorities say the semi caught fire. The driver of the semi, Alejandro Hernandez-Ruiz, 28, of Springfield, was treated for burn injuries at the scene and released.

However, the sheriff’s office added the driver of the Chevrolet Tahoe, Marco Rodriguez, 32, of Plover, Wisconsin, left the scene before authorities arrived, but was later taken into custody and treated for his injuries.

The sheriff’s office said driver impairment is believed to be a factor in the crash, and Rodriguez is expected to be charged by the Renville County Attorney’s Office.

The crash still remains under investigation.

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