A semi truck driver became trapped temporarily when he lost control of the oil- and propane-fuel truck he was driving and it rolled into a ditch full of water near Albany.
On June 13, 2025, at approximately 9:18 a.m., the Stearns County Emergency Communications Center received a call regarding a vehicle rollover near CR 156 and 330th Street in Albany Township.
Upon arrival on scene, it was determined that Thomas Messer, 52, of Sauk Centre, was traveling eastbound on CR 156 in an oil and propane-fuel truck when the tires lost traction with the roadway. The truck entered the north ditch and rolled onto its roof in approximately three feet of water. Messer became trapped inside the cab of the truck, unable to open the doors due to the truck being partially submerged. Messer was freed from the cab by Albany and Avon fire departments. Messer was cleared by Mayo Ambulance on scene and reported no injuries.
The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Albany Fire and Rescue, Avon Fire and Rescue, Mayo Ambulance and Collins Brothers Towing.
