Michael Griffin suffers injuries in two-vehicle crash on Route 59

Straight truck collides with tractor-trailer in icy conditions in Mason Township

December 22, 2025 | Mason Township, MN

A 61-year-old man from Tyler, Minnesota, endured severe injuries following a collision between two commercial vehicles in Mason Township.

Michael Arthur Griffin, 61, of Tyler, Minnesota, was injured when his International straight truck collided with a Freightliner tractor-trailer on snowy roads at 156th Street in Mason Township.

What Happened in the Crash?

The incident unfolded on Dec. 22 at approximately 7:27 a.m., when Michael Arthur Griffin was operating an International Straight Truck southbound on U.S. Route 59. His vehicle struck a northbound Freightliner tractor-trailer near 156th Street in Murray County.

• Victim: Michael Arthur Griffin, 61, of Tyler, MN
• Vehicles Involved: International Straight Truck, southbound, and Freightliner tractor-trailer, northbound
• Location: U.S. Route 59 at 156th Street, Mason Township, Murray County, MN
• Road Conditions: Snow and ice
• Injuries: Life-threatening, and Griffin was wearing a seat belt and airlifted to Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD
• Driver of Freightliner: 58-year-old man from Minnesota, with no reported injuries

The Minnesota State Patrol is leading the ongoing investigation into the factors contributing to the collision.

Why Do Semi-Truck Accidents Like This Occur?

Commercial vehicle crashes often stem from multiple causes, exacerbated by challenging weather. According to the National Safety Council, large truck accidents injure about 150,000 people and claim nearly 4,900 lives annually in the U.S.

These elements highlight the need for thorough investigations to identify negligence.

Legal Insights

In cases such as this involving semi-trucks, a detailed independent review can uncover critical evidence. National legal analyst Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, emphasizes the value of professional involvement.

“It’s essential to conduct a full investigation, allowing negotiation with insurers on behalf of those affected. Factors like loss of control, tire issues, or fatigue play significant roles in these incidents,” Bond noted.

Key takeaways from analyst perspectives:

• Preserve evidence by examining the scene, vehicle logs, and driver records promptly.
• Hire professionals to assess mechanical failures and reconstruct circumstances.
• Conduct background checks on drivers and review insurance policies to build a strong case.
• Protect rights against trucking firms that deploy their own investigators quickly.

Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal, adds that civil claims differ from criminal proceedings and can address losses like medical bills and emotional distress.

“When negligence causes harm, affected parties may pursue compensation. Seeking guidance from experienced counsel is crucial for navigating these claims,” Formica stated.

(This story is based on verified data from the Minnesota State Patrol. Newsline, owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., upholds rigorous editorial standards with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity. For corrections, see our Corrections Policy.)

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