AUSTIN, MINNESOTA — Two people were taken to the hospital Tuesday afternoon after a pickup truck and a semi-trailer collided near Austin, where officials believe poor winter road conditions contributed to the crash.

Austin Fire said crews were dispatched around 1:10 p.m. on Jan. 20 to the intersection of Highway 34 and Road 64N (Towerline Road).

Responders arrived to find a severely damaged pickup truck and a damaged semi-trailer, officials said. Both occupants of the pickup were able to get out on their own, were evaluated by EMS at the scene, and were later transported to the hospital for further treatment.

Officials said the semi-truck driver was not injured. Fire crews assisted while responders worked to secure the scene and keep traffic moving.

Authorities said road conditions at the time are believed to have been a contributing factor, and drivers were urged to slow down, use caution at intersections, and adjust driving behavior to winter conditions.

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