WILLMAR TOWNSHIP, MN – In a somber start to the new year, a 67-year-old man named Terry Vreeman met with a fatal accident early Tuesday morning on Highway 71 near Willmar Township. Vreeman, who was at the helm of a 2018 Peterbilt Straight Truck, collided with a railroad bridge at approximately 7:15 a.m., leading to a crash that would ultimately claim his life.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the incident unfolded when Vreeman's vehicle struck the bridge, causing severe injuries that proved fatal. Emergency services rushed Vreeman to Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar, where, despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead. The State Patrol's preliminary report highlighted that Vreeman was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, a detail that might have exacerbated the outcome of the collision.
This tragic event marks one of the initial traffic-related fatalities in Minnesota for 2025, bringing the state's count to four for the year thus far. This number, while small, is a stark reminder of the dangers present on the roads. Last year, 2024, saw a total of 465 traffic fatalities, underscoring the persistent challenge of ensuring road safety across the state.
The Minnesota State Patrol is currently conducting an in-depth investigation into the accident. The specifics surrounding the cause of the crash, including any potential mechanical failures or environmental factors, are yet to be determined and released. This incident underscores the critical importance of adhering to safety measures such as wearing a seatbelt, especially in areas known for their hazards like railroad crossings.
Vreeman's untimely death serves as a poignant reminder to all drivers about the fragility of life and the necessity for vigilance on the road. The investigation continues with authorities piecing together the events that led to this fatal accident, aiming to prevent future tragedies by understanding and addressing the factors that contributed to this loss.
The community of Willmar and beyond mourns the loss of Terry Vreeman, a reminder of the human cost of traffic accidents and the ongoing battle for safer roadways. As the investigation unfolds, more details may provide clarity and lessons learned, potentially leading to enhanced safety measures and public awareness campaigns.
