One killed, one hurt in Highway 61 crash in Cottage Grove

Cottage Grove Public Safety says a two‑vehicle collision on Highway 61 between 70th and 80th streets Friday left one driver dead and sent the other to Regions Hospital. The crash shut down a key stretch of the south‑metro commuter route while first responders worked the scene. The Minnesota State Patrol has begun a full reconstruction to determine what caused the wreck and whether any charges are warranted. Authorities have not yet released the names of those involved or detailed the condition of the surviving driver, and they’re promising to work with local officials to "provide answers and support" for those affected. For south‑east metro drivers, it’s another reminder that this high‑speed corridor still carries a heavy toll when something goes wrong.