Minivan driver dies after speeding, slamming into trailer in Polk Co.

POLK COUNTY, Wis. (KMSP) - A Balsam Lake, Wis. man speeding by vehicles in a minivan along Highway 8 in Polk County died after slamming into a truck towing a trailer on Tuesday afternoon.

According to Polk County sheriff’s officials:

John Thomas Bibeau, 64, was driving east without a seatbelt on Highway 8, reportedly speeding by several vehicles before approaching Knapp, Wis. driver Michael L. Malean, 25, in a Chevrolet Silverado towing a double axel trailer. Just before 4 p.m., Bibeau ran into Malean’s trainer, sending both vehicles into the westbound lane and into a ditch.

Bibeau’s minivan rolled onto the passenger side and several witnesses stopped to help pull him out. They attempted life saving measures until first responders arrived, but Bibeau died at the scene. Malean and his passenger suffered minor injuries but did not require hospitalization.

Speed and possible pre-existing medical conditions may have been contributing factors to the crash, sheriff’s officials said.