Deadly Chain-Reaction Crash Closes 35E for Hours

A major pile-up on Interstate 35E that tied up traffic for several hours also claimed the life of a woman Tuesday night.

The Minnesota State Patrol says four veihcles collided north of Centerville around 9:30 p.m.

Both the northbound and southbound lanes were shut down for almost three hours.

The State Patrol tells 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS the one person who suffered serious injuries died overnight.

Investigators say it started when a Honda Civic rear-ended a Volkswagen. The Volkswagen then rear-ended a pick-up before striking a Chevrolet Cobalt.

The person driving the Volkswagen suffered very serious injuries, and was airlifted to a hospital and later died.

Three other people suffered minor injuries.

Investigators say there was heavy traffic because of construction on I-35E, but add that they do not believe alcohol was a factor.

The names of the victims have not been released.