Video captures runaway semi barreling through Taylors Falls intersection

Updated: August 06, 2019 10:21 PM

Security camera video, shared on social media, captures tense moments as a semi-truck barrels through the Highway 8 and Highway 95 intersection in Taylors Falls Thursday morning.

The Minnesota State Patrol said there were only minor injuries to the driver who told investigators the brakes on his truck stopped working as he came down a steep hill on westbound Highway 8, from Wisconsin, into the Highway 95 intersection in Taylors Falls.

Michaela Stimson told KSTP she was driving in her car just a couple car lengths behind the semi and saw the whole thing unfold right in front of her.

"I just started saying out loud in my car, oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh, my gosh," said Stimson. "I saw smoke coming from the truck and could smell the smoke from the brakes, too."

Stimson said she then witnessed the truck narrowly miss a car, another semi and then saw it roll on its side, slamming into a traffic light and coming to rest less than 20 yards from gas pumps as people scattered.

"I just thought-- thank you, Lord, for saving everyone," said Stimson. "It barely missed several cars and to not have anyone seriously injured was just insane."

The State Patrol has not issued any exact cause for the crash yet, and does not comment on open investigations.