Dean's Towing & Roadside Services

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.

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Why Dean's Towing?

We Care About Your Vehicle

We understand how valuable your vehicle is to you and treat it with the utmost care and respect during the towing process. Your vehicle’s safety is our top priority.

Local Knowledge

As a local towing company, we understand the area in-depth. This knowledge allows us to reach your location quickly and take the most efficient routes to your destination.

Fully Licensed and Insured

We are a fully licensed and insured towing company, providing additional peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is in safe hands.

Customer Satisfaction

Our commitment to customer satisfaction is unwavering. We take pride in the positive feedback and reviews from our satisfied customers.

Reach Out to Us Today!

If you ever need towing or roadside assistance in Southern Minnesota, please get in touch with us. Our friendly team is ready to help you, no matter the time of day or night.

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Our Google Reviews Tell the Story!

Brad Nawrocki
Brad Nawrocki
6 months ago
We cannot say enough about Roger! He was extremely professional and helped us out when we were in an accident. Wonderful customer service!! A big shout out to Todd as well as he stayed after hours to help us, too. We are extremely grateful for their service.
Mark Kilgore
Mark Kilgore
7 months ago
For most of my towing needs I've tried to always use Dean's towing! This time around even though AAA had already scheduled a company to recover my vehicle State Patrol interfered and called Dean's Towing to recovery what they thought was an abandoned vehicle despite the fact local dispatch knew vehicle was there and that I wouldn't be in it because they were nice enough to inform me of the lengthy wait for AAA was and kindly dispatched a deputy to give me a ride home! So a few hrs after being dropped off at home by a deputy I received a phone call from AAA driver stating there was no vehicle matching description at location that was given! After getting off the phone my only concern was finding the vehicle wasn't concerned about AAA driver that drove from wherever for nothing! So started to call around to find the vehicle and nobody seemed to know where the vehicle had ended up or even who picked it up! Well after searching for a couple days I just so happened to be driving by the Albert Lea location while running other errands and caught a glimpse of what I thought was my vehicle, but wasn't for sure cause couldn't get a good look at it. Well once I got home I called Dean's Towing to see if my suspicions were right and luckily they were and so now I know it's safe! After working out some of the financial and paperwork details I now have my vehicle back in my possession and had other things would've cooperated I would've been able to have both my vehicles home, but after a quick call back to Dean's Towing to let them know I'd be back the next day to get other vehicle I was told that that was no problem and they had noticed I parked the other vehicle in same spot as vehicle I took home and it wasn't in anybodys way so everything was good! So even though everything surrounding the recovery of the vehicle was all screwed up and there were obvious issues of poor management and miscommunications none of which was Dean's Towing fault and I'm grateful that they were the company that ultimately were in possession and had performed the recovery of my vehicle because I at least knew my vehicle was safe and well taken care of! So I would like to extend my most sincere thanks to the entire Dean's Towing team for another job well done! Thx to all and a special thx to those personally involved I appreciate the grueling and often unappreciated service you all provide! Thank-You All!!
mike craft
mike craft
4 months ago
Truck broke down and Needed a tow on March 14th right before the big storm that was going to hit southern Mn. I was stalled in Owatonna and needed it towed to Rochester. Roger from Deans let me know he was coming and kept me updated the whole time. It was cold so left my vehicle for them to pick. The easiest tow I’ve ever had over the 30+ years I’ve been driving. The company and specifically Roger that kept me updated through the process was top notch and would contact them first on all roadside and towing needs. Thanks again Roger. I would do more than 5 stars if I could.
Sam Hostetler
Sam Hostetler
2 weeks ago
They loaded a dozer on my trailer with their rotator very good job, professional good work, ethics people that know what they’re doing
Saul Alfaro
Saul Alfaro
a month ago
Was locked out of my car, they were pretty quick at unlocking it for me and the guy was very courteous.
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