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Semi driver crawls to safety as rig sinks in pond

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Jan 27, 2012 at 12:56 pm

MONTICELLO, Minn. (AP) - A semi driver crawled to safety after his rig left the interstate near Monticello and crashed into an icy pond Friday.

The Minnesota State Patrol says the driver was taken to a local hospital, treated and released. Patrol Lt. Eric Roeske says the driver was pulling a Target trailer, left eastbound I-94, crossed over lanes of oncoming traffic and skidded onto the pond.

Roeske says the semi skidded 100 to 200 yards across the ice before breaking through. A photo from the State Patrol shows about half of the trailer above the icy water.

The State Patrol says the pond is about 7 to 8 feet deep with 6 inches of ice. Roeske says the road was clear at the time of the crash, about 6:30 a.m.