Waite Park, MN (November 26, 2024) – Emergency responders from Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, Waite Park Police Department, Waite Park Fire Department, and Mayo Ambulance were called to the scene of a collision at the intersection of Westbound Highway 23 and 28th Ave S at approximately 2:50 PM CST. The accident involved two vehicles, a 2019 Ram 1500 and a 2022 Ford Explorer. Both vehicles were traveling westbound on Highway 23 when the crash occurred.
The driver of the Ram 1500, Amanda Lynn Jares, a 45-year-old female from Long Prairie, MN, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. She was transported to St. Cloud Hospital for treatment. The airbags in her vehicle deployed, and she was wearing her seat belt at the time of the crash. Fortunately, alcohol was not involved in the incident.
The second vehicle, a 2022 Ford Explorer, was driven by 43-year-old Steven John Romstad of Melrose, MN. Romstad also sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to St. Cloud Hospital for medical care. Like Jares, Romstad was wearing his seat belt, and the airbags in his vehicle deployed. No alcohol was involved in the crash.
At the time of the collision, the Ford Explorer was operating without lights or sirens, as it was not engaged in any emergency response activity. The road conditions were dry, which may have helped mitigate the impact of the collision. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by local authorities.
Law Enforcement and Vehicle Collisions in Minnesota
Collisions involving law enforcement vehicles are relatively rare, but when they do occur, they often raise concerns about safety and procedure. In this case, the Ford Explorer, a law enforcement vehicle, was traveling in routine operation with no emergency lights or sirens activated. While the investigation into the cause of the crash is still ongoing, it serves as an important reminder for all drivers to stay aware of their surroundings, especially when driving alongside law enforcement vehicles, even if they are not actively responding to an emergency.
Both drivers involved in this crash were wearing seat belts, which undoubtedly played a role in preventing more severe injuries. The airbags deployed in both vehicles, which likely helped reduce the impact of the collision. In Minnesota, seat belt use is critical to reducing the severity of injuries in car accidents, and it is encouraged for all drivers and passengers to buckle up at all times.
Local authorities will continue to investigate the cause of the crash and provide further updates as they become available. In the meantime, Minnesota drivers are reminded to always remain vigilant, follow traffic laws, and adjust their driving according to road conditions. Even in dry conditions, collisions can happen unexpectedly, and staying alert is key to preventing accidents.
Local Accident Reports will continue to monitor this story and provide any further details as they emerge.