Austin woman killed in rollover crash on I-35; Lost control after hitting icy patch

Published 10:30 am Friday, March 10, 2017

CLARKS GROVE — An Austin woman was killed Thursday in a rollover crash on an icy patch of Interstate 35 south of Clarks Grove.

Ileana Babastro, 37, was declared dead at the scene.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a 1997 Toyota 4 Runner driven by Babastro was heading south on I-35 when Babastro lost control of the vehicle, causing it to enter the median and roll at about 3:45 a.m. The Toyota reportedly came to a rest in the northbound exit ramp to Minnesota Highway 251. Babastro was ejected from the vehicle, the report states.

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Passengers Sashy Martinez, 31, of Rochester, New York, and Reinaldo Quesada, 41, of Albert Lea, were transported to Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea with injuries deemed not life-threatening.

Babastro and Martinez were not wearing their seat belts, and alcohol was not a factor in the crash, the report states.

Gold Cross Ambulance, Ellendale Ambulance and Freeborn County Sheriff’s Officers assisted on scene.

About Sam Wilmes

Sam Wilmes covers crime, courts and government for the Albert Lea Tribune.

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