HOUSTON, Minn. (AP) - A truck driver from southeastern Minnesota faces misdemeanor charges after a hay bale fell from his semitrailer and hit a pickup, killing the couple inside.

Forty-nine-year-old Randall Hongerholt of Houston, Minnesota, is charged with careless driving, failure to secure his load, a wide-load permit violation and not having insurance. A court appearance is scheduled for July 14.

The Minnesota State Patrol says several large bales of hay toppled off the semi on March 7 near Houston. One bale struck a pickup carrying a local couple, and caused the man to lose control of the vehicle and crash into the ditch. The crash killed 59-year-old Dale Erickson and his 52-year-old wife, Teresa.

Reports say a message was left with Hongerholt's attorney seeking a response to the charges.

More From AM 1240 WJON