Cody Gravelle Injured in Truck Accident on County Road 10 near Albany Twp, MN
Albany Township, MN — December 15, 2022, 25-year-old truck driver Cody Gravelle was injured in a rollover crash on County Road 10 near Albany Township.
Authorities say the incident happened Thursday morning along Stearns County Road 10. Preliminary investigation suggests Gravelle was driving an 18-wheeler fully loaded with bottled water north on the roadway when he may have lost control for unknown reasons. The truck ran off the road and partially entered the east ditch, then overturned and rolled.
Gravelle was transported to an area hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries.
The investigation continues but police say heavy snowfall in the area may have been a factor in the wreck.
No further information is available at this time.
Commentary on Cody Gravelle Accident in Albany Twp
People are sometimes surprised when I say accidents like this are more complicated than they appear. The general line of thinking is that the person controlling the truck is responsible for losing that control, so a wreck like this--however unfortunate--is the driver's responsibility. However, it's a little premature to assume that as there are still other possibilities to consider.
To that end there are still many lingering questions to answer: How'd the driver lose control? Did he just make a mistake at the wheel, or is there more to the story? Was the truck in good condition--engine, brakes, tires, safety features? Are police right that inclement weather and/or road conditions were factors? If so, was the driver adequately trained and experienced in dealing with those conditions?
I don't ask those questions to complicate things or speculate. It's just important to recognize all the potential variables and investigate them carefully--mostly to be sure all the crash's details are known, but also because clear facts are almost always needed to get victims the help they deserve. It usually takes more than police or news reports to get those facts, though, which is why I often suggest independent investigators take another look and ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
