Austin man hurt in crash Monday morning

Published 10:10 am Tuesday, November 25, 2014

A 53-year-old Austin man was injured Monday morning after a van ran off the road and into the median on Interstate 90 east of the Oakland exit in eastern Freeborn County.

Joseph E. Houff, 53, was transported by ambulance to Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin for injuries deemed not life-threatening.

The crash was one of several that took place Monday morning on icy roadways.

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According to the Minnesota State Patrol, Tina J. Zirbes, 44, of Austin was driving a 2003 Ford Econoline van westbound on Interstate 90 in the right lane near mile marker 170 when she lost control of the van and skidded into the center median. Houff was a passenger.

The report stated both Zirbes and Houff were wearing their seat belts. No alcohol was detected.

The Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office, the Albert Lea Fire Department and Hayward first responders sssisted at the scene.