honoredlives | Verified A 72-year-old St. James man was injured in a two-vehicle collision involving a semi-truck and a Chrysler Town & Country van on Highway 60 near Lake Crystal, Minnesota. The crash occurred at approximately 7:38 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026, near the intersection of Highway 60 and LaClaire Street in Blue Earth County. The Minnesota State Patrol identified the injured motorist as Brian Lee Westman, of St. James. According to the State Patrol’s crash report, Westman sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a medical facility in Blue Earth County for treatment. The driver of the semi-truck was not injured. What Happened on Highway 60 Near Lake Crystal? The collision involved a 2007 International semi-truck and a 2007 Chrysler Town & Country van. Investigators reported that the semi-truck was travelling southbound on North Main Street and waiting for traffic before pulling onto Highway 60. As it entered the highway, it collided with the Chrysler van. The State Patrol’s preliminary account indicated that one driver failed to see the other vehicle before the collision. The crash was recorded at westbound Highway 60 near LaClaire Street in Lake Crystal, not within Mankato city limits. Brian Lee Westman Injured in the Collision Authorities identified the Chrysler van’s driver as Brian Lee Westman, 72, of St. James, Minnesota. Westman sustained injuries classified by the Minnesota State Patrol as non-life-threatening. He was transported to MCHS – Blue Earth County for medical attention. The report also confirmed that he was wearing a seat belt when the collision occurred and that the van’s airbags deployed. No further public details about the extent of his injuries or his recovery were included in the crash report. Semi-Truck Driver Identified The semi-truck was a 2007 International operated by Edward Carl Olson, 29, of Saint Peter, Minnesota. Olson was not injured in the collision and did not require hospital transportation. The State Patrol report indicated that he was wearing a seat belt. The report listed alcohol involvement for the Chrysler van’s driver as pending, while alcohol was not suspected for the semi-truck driver. This does not establish that alcohol contributed to the crash. Emergency Response and Investigation The Lake Crystal Ambulance and Fire Department and the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene. The roadway was reported to be dry when the collision occurred. The Minnesota State Patrol classified the incident as an injury crash involving two vehicles. Its report was updated on October 30, 2026, at 11:22 p.m. No additional information about citations or further investigative findings was included in the available report. Highway 60 Crash Near Mankato: What Is Known? The collision serves as a reminder of the risks associated with vehicles entering busy highways, particularly where traffic is moving through intersections and connecting roads. Authorities’ preliminary account identifies the sequence leading to the collision, but further details about the individual driver’s actions have not been provided. The State Patrol’s published report confirms that Westman’s injuries were not considered life-threatening and that the semi-truck driver escaped injury. Personal Details and Crash Information Detail Information Injured person Brian Lee Westman Age 72 Hometown St. James, Minnesota Crash date October 30, 2026 Crash time 7:38 p.m. Location Highway 60 and LaClaire Street, Lake Crystal County Blue Earth County Vehicles involved 2007 International semi-truck and 2007 Chrysler Town & Country Semi-truck driver Edward Carl Olson, 29 Injuries Non-life-threatening Hospital MCHS – Blue Earth County Road conditions Dry Investigating agency Minnesota State Patrol, Mankato District Crash classification Injury crash Disclaimer This report is based on the Minnesota State Patrol’s published crash information available at the time of writing. Injury classifications and other preliminary details may be subject to updates as authorities complete their review. No unsupported conclusions should be drawn about responsibility or contributing factors beyond the information released by investigators. Brian Lee Westman’s recovery and well-being remain the central concern following the collision. Share this... Facebook Pinterest Twitter Linkedin Post navigation Justin Michael Skiba Obituary: Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, Man Dies at 40 Thorp Davis Richmond, VA Obituary: In Loving Memory of Thorp Davis Following His Reported Passing