Monday morning crash on I-494 leaves 1 dead

A portion of eastbound I-494 is back open Monday after being closed for hours due to what authorities are now calling a fatal crash.

Authorities with the Minnesota State Patrol say they’re investigating a serious crash that happened just before 4:30 a.m. on eastbound I-494 at 5th Avenue in Inver Grove Heights.

The agency says in its incident report that a Chevy Malibu was headed east on I-494 when it rear-ended a semi tractor trailer.

The Malibu’s driver was identified as a 39-year-old Hastings woman. Her name is expected to be released Monday at 6 p.m.

Meanwhile, the driver of the semi was identified as a 39-year-old Holmen man. He was not injured.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation said all eastbound lanes of the highway were temporarily closed at 7th Street as the investigation and cleanup continue. Traffic was sent off the interstate and was allowed to merge back on the highway at 5th Street.

Shortly before 7 a.m., delays were being reported at Highway 52. However, the highway was back open by 7:30 a.m.

Check back for updates. A map showing current traffic conditions can be found below.