Heavy-Duty Towing and Recovery: Nine Semis Overturned on I-35 Near Faribault After Severe Storm

On a stormy afternoon south of Faribault, Minnesota, a severe thunderstorm packing 60-mph winds and ping pong ball–sized hail caused chaos on Interstate 35. Within minutes, nine semi-trucks were blown over near mile markers 53–55, completely blocking the northbound lanes and stranding dozens of drivers.

A Day We’ll Never Forget

At Dean’s Towing, we remember this day like it was yesterday. The storm knocked out power to our office and phone lines, but when we saw the MnDOT cameras showing overturned rigs, we didn’t wait for the calls to come in; we headed out with every truck, operator, and piece of equipment we had.

Upon our arrival, the scene was unlike anything we had ever encountered. Semi-trailers were scattered across the interstate and into the ditch. Some rigs had entirely rolled onto their sides, their drivers trapped inside their cabs.

Rapid Response to Free Drivers and Reopen the Road

Our team immediately split into two groups:

• One crew began going truck to truck with telescoping ladders, helping drivers climb out safely from their overturned rigs.
• Another crew worked to upright the tractor-trailer that was blocking the entire roadway, allowing us to open at least one lane of traffic.

Every driver we reached had the same bewildered look standing inside their overturned cabs, staring out through cracked windshields, wondering what had just happened. For many, it was the first time they had experienced winds powerful enough to roll a fully loaded semi.

Teamwork in Action

Thanks to coordinated efforts with law enforcement and MnDOT, we were able to reopen a lane quickly, allowing stranded motorists to move off the highway and onto detours. Our operators worked tirelessly in the rain and hail to stabilize and recover every truck.

This event served as a powerful reminder of why rapid response is crucial. In a situation where every minute counts, our ability to mobilize and adapt ensured drivers were safe and I-35 could be reopened as quickly as possible.

Ready 24/7 for the Unexpected

At Dean’s Towing, we train and prepare for emergencies like this because we know that accidents and storms don’t wait for convenient times. Whether it’s recovering a single vehicle or responding to a large-scale disaster with multiple semis down, our team is always ready.

If you’re ever in need of professional heavy-duty recovery in Southern Minnesota, call Dean’s Towing anytime at (507) 455-1950.