Icy road conditions on Monday morning caused two crashes in the region, leaving multiple people injured, including one teenage girl with life-threatening injuries.
Crash #1: Head-On Collision in Wadena County
At around 7:47 a.m., a Buick LaCrosse traveling west on Highway 29 collided head-on with an eastbound Chevrolet Tahoe near 620th Avenue in rural Wadena County.
- The 16-year-old driver of the Buick sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Astera Health.
- Her passenger, 17-year-old Larissa Hayakawa, was not wearing a seat belt and suffered life-threatening injuries. She was transported to Fargo Sanford Hospital.
- The driver of the Tahoe, 44-year-old Kelly Jean Shrode of Deer Creek, had non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at Astera Health.
- A 12-year-old passenger in the Tahoe sustained minor injuries but did not need treatment.
Crash #2: Snowplow Collision near Detroit Lakes
Just before 7 a.m., on Highway 34 east of Detroit Lakes, a 23-year-old Detroit Lakes man crashed into the back of a MnDOT snowplow between mile markers 47 and 48.
- Austin Lee Engel, the driver, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Mary’s Hospital.
- The snowplow driver, Zachary Allen Krause of Detroit Lakes, was also injured but did not require hospital transport.
Road Conditions a Key Factor
Both crashes occurred on roads that were reported as snow- and ice-covered at the time. Officials remind drivers to slow down, increase following distance, and give snowplows plenty of room during winter weather.
Responding agencies included the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Department, Wadena Police and Fire Departments, Astera Ambulance, and St. Mary’s Ambulance.
Why it matters to DL listeners: Winter has officially arrived, and these crashes are a stark reminder to drive cautiously and be prepared for icy conditions. Whether you’re commuting, traveling for the holidays, or heading out for winter recreation, safety should be the top priority.