Driver killed in Minneapolis bridge crash

Vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic on 3rd Ave Bridge, striking another car

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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A single-vehicle crash on the 3rd Avenue Bridge in Minneapolis early Sunday morning resulted in one fatality. According to police, a southbound Ford Taurus crossed the centerline and struck a northbound GMC Denali, killing the Taurus driver. The three occupants of the Denali were uninjured.

Why it matters

Bridge crashes are relatively uncommon in Minneapolis, raising questions about the cause of this incident and whether any infrastructure or safety issues on the 3rd Avenue Bridge may have contributed. Fatal crashes also impact the local community and spur discussions around traffic safety and enforcement.

The details

Police said the crash occurred around 12:53 AM on the 3rd Avenue Bridge. The southbound Ford Taurus crossed the centerline and struck the northbound GMC Denali. The Taurus driver was declared dead at the scene, while the three occupants of the Denali were uninjured and reported wearing seatbelts. An investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.

  • The crash occurred around 12:53 AM on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

The players

Ford Taurus

The southbound vehicle that crossed the centerline and struck the other car.

GMC Denali

The northbound vehicle that was struck by the Taurus.

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What’s next

Police are investigating the cause of the crash, which may involve factors such as distracted or impaired driving, mechanical issues, or road conditions.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the importance of driver safety and attentiveness, especially on bridges and other high-traffic areas. It also raises questions about potential infrastructure improvements that could enhance safety for all road users in Minneapolis.