Woman dies in I-94 crash early Tuesday

A predawn collision on I-94 Tuesday, just east of Hudson, claimed the life of a Minnesota woman and snarled eastbound traffic for more than two hours.

Monique M. Palme, 23, of North Branch, Minn. was killed in the accident. Palme was driving westbound on I-94 and crossed the median near milepost 10. Her car ended up in the eastbound lanes where she continued westbound and struck a semi tanker. The 4:55 a.m. collision occurred between mileposts 7 and 8, just west of the Roberts exit, near the I-94 weigh station.

According to the State Patrol, the semi driver attempted to veer to the right and avoid the auto. The Plymouth Neon crashed into the left side of the semi trailer. The auto was spun around and rolled onto its top.

Palme, who was not wearing a seat beat, was ejected from her car.

The semi was driven by Gary D. Johnson, 43, of Spring Valley, Minn. The truck's trailer was reportedly loaded with hot asphalt or road oil, but did not sustain any damage. The semi truck was able to drive from the scene.

Palme was pronounced dead at the scene by St. Croix County Medical Examiner Marty Shanklin. Fire and rescue crews from Hudson and Roberts were dispatched to the scene.

A large message board was moved to the area by the St. Croix County Highway Dept. to assist in directing slowed traffic through the area during the morning rush. Debris from the crash was scattered over a wide area.

The Hudson Police Department also assisted state and county officers at the crash site.