By Crash News Writer 
Willmar, MN (October 11, 2025) – A collision between a semi-truck and an SUV in rural Kandiyohi County injured a Texas man Friday afternoon, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
The crash occurred around 2:20 p.m. on October 10 at the intersection of Kandiyohi County Road 5 and 120th Avenue Southwest in Whitefield Township, south of Willmar. The area is currently part of a detour route due to ongoing resurfacing on nearby Minnesota Highway 23.
Authorities say 62-year-old Gonzalo Torres Silva of Weslaco, Texas, was driving a 1999 Mack semi northbound on County Road 5 when he collided with a westbound 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk driven by 73-year-old Robert Eugene Smith of Aurora, South Dakota.
Silva sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to CentraCare – Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar for treatment. Smith and his passenger, 74-year-old Lynette Kay Smith, were uninjured.
All parties were reportedly wearing seat belts. No signs of alcohol impairment were noted, and road conditions were dry.
Protect Your Rights After an Accident Today
Large truck crashes can cause serious and lasting injuries. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident near Willmar involving a semi-truck or another commercial vehicle, it’s critical to protect your legal rights as soon as possible. These cases often involve complex liability and insurance issues, and acting swiftly ensures important evidence is preserved.
Victims of a car accident near Willmar may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Legal guidance is especially vital in truck-related crashes due to the involvement of commercial operators, cargo carriers, and state or federal trucking laws.
For help understanding your next steps, review the car accident laws in Minnesota. If you’re searching for help after a car accident near me, know that legal support is available to guide you through recovery.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article is based on statements from the Minnesota State Patrol and other responding agencies. More information may be released as the investigation continues. If you’ve been involved in a similar crash, visit our frequently asked questions in Minnesota for guidance.
- The injured driver, Gonzalo Torres Silva, was transported for treatment, while other parties declined medical care.
- The crash occurred along a detour route due to resurfacing work on Highway 23, which may have contributed to increased traffic in the area.
- The Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office, Raymond Fire and Ambulance, CentraCare Ambulance, and the Kandiyohi County Rescue Squad all assisted at the scene.
If you’re coping with the aftermath of a crash, our accident resources in Minnesota offer support for navigating the legal and medical steps ahead.
This story is for informational use only and is based on public reports at the time of publication. For more details, read our full disclaimer.
Don’t delay in protecting your rights. Speak with a trusted Minnesota personal injury lawyer today to explore your options for recovery and justice.