Brown County, MN (November 26, 2024) – Emergency responders from Sleepy Eye Ambulance, Sleepy Eye Police Department, and the Brown County Sheriff’s Office were called to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 14 and 280th Avenue in Prairieville Township at approximately 1:32 PM CST. The crash involved a 2023 Toyota Highlander traveling westbound and a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado heading eastbound on Highway 14.
The Toyota Highlander was driven by 89-year-old Dalton Duane Lundstrum of Sleepy Eye, MN. Lundstrum, along with his 85-year-old passenger, Janice Arlene Lundstrum, was unharmed in the crash. Both individuals were wearing their seat belts at the time of the collision, and neither required medical attention. The airbag in the Toyota deployed during the accident, but neither occupant sustained injuries.
The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado, 20-year-old Logan Joseph Mickelson of Sleepy Eye, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Sleepy Eye Medical Center for treatment. Mickelson was also wearing his seat belt, and no alcohol was involved in the incident. The airbags in the Chevrolet did not deploy. Fortunately, the road conditions were dry at the time of the crash, which likely helped mitigate the severity of the incident. Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.
Vehicle Collisions in Minnesota
In Minnesota, vehicle collisions involving both passenger vehicles and pickup trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado are a common occurrence on highways, particularly in rural areas. The crash in Prairieville Township emphasizes the importance of safe driving on dry roads, as even under ideal weather conditions, vehicles can still collide if drivers fail to exercise caution.
This incident serves as a reminder for drivers to stay alert, especially when traveling on highways that may have high-speed traffic. Both the Toyota and the Chevrolet were being driven by individuals who were wearing their seat belts, which played a significant role in reducing the severity of injuries. Thankfully, the outcome could have been much worse, but due to the safety measures in place and the responsiveness of emergency services, the injuries were relatively minor.
As investigators work to determine the precise cause of the crash, local authorities are reminding drivers to remain attentive, obey traffic laws, and always wear seat belts. Accidents like this can often be avoided with careful attention to road conditions, proper vehicle maintenance, and an awareness of other drivers.
Local Accident Reports will continue to follow this incident and provide updates as more information becomes available. If you or someone you know has been involved in a similar situation, remember that the best way to prevent accidents is by remaining vigilant and cautious behind the wheel at all times.