Fatal Wrong-Way Crash on I-35

A two-vehicle collision in Duluth leaves one dead and one injured, prompting traffic delays.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Car Types

A fatal two-vehicle collision occurred on I-35 in Duluth on Friday morning after a pickup truck traveled the wrong way in the southbound lanes. The crash resulted in the death of the 74-year-old pickup driver and left a 35-year-old SUV driver with life-threatening injuries.

Why it matters

Wrong-way collisions present significant safety risks to all commuters on major transit corridors like I-35. This incident highlights the importance of extreme driver awareness when navigating highway transitions and multi-lane roadways in the early morning hours.

The collision involved a 74-year-old driver who died and a 35-year-old driver who was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. This occurred at 6:20 a.m. near the Thompson Hill area of I-35.

The details

The incident occurred when a pickup truck entered the southbound lanes of I-35 while moving in a northerly direction. The vehicle then struck an oncoming SUV head-on near the Thompson Hill location north of Cody Street. Traffic in the area experienced significant congestion for several hours as emergency responders managed the scene.

The crash occurred at 6:20 a.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026.
Traffic congestion was reported at the site until at least 9:45 a.m.

The Home Front

This crash adds to the ongoing safety challenges associated with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wrong-way driving prevention guidelines. Drivers should remain alert for signage and markers specifically designed to prevent entry into opposing lanes of traffic.

Commuters in Duluth should be aware of potential ongoing traffic delays near Thompson Hill and plan their travel routes accordingly. When driving on I-35, maintain increased following distances and stay focused on directional signage to avoid potential hazards in the early morning hours.

The takeaway

Highway safety depends on constant vigilance, especially during low-visibility conditions. If you frequently travel I-35, double-check your route for potential alerts and keep your emergency contact information updated in your vehicle's glove compartment.