Hodges Township, MN (December 6, 2024) – A multi-vehicle accident occurred near Highway 9 and 6th Street at approximately 1:56 PM on December 4, 2024. The collision took place during winter conditions, leading to a seven-vehicle pileup near Milepost 53 in Stevens County. Emergency responders, including personnel from Stevens County Sheriff’s Office, Hancock Fire, and Morris Ambulance, arrived on the scene promptly to provide care to the victims involved.
The vehicles involved ranged in make and model, including a 2012 Chevy Silverado, a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and a 2013 Volvo tractor-trailer, among others. Despite the significant number of vehicles involved, several drivers were fortunate to avoid serious injuries. The drivers of some vehicles, including the Chevy Silverado and Jeep Grand Cherokee, did not report injuries. However, others sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to Morris Hospital for further treatment.
Authorities have begun investigating the cause of the accident, which occurred on the southbound lane of Highway 9. The crash appears to have been worsened by winter driving conditions, which led to a loss of control for multiple drivers. No alcohol was involved, and seatbelts were worn by all drivers.
Emergency responders worked diligently to assist those suffering from injuries after the collision, providing care at the scene and coordinating the transportation of those in need to nearby healthcare facilities. Thankfully, no fatalities have been reported at this time. Our thoughts are with all individuals impacted by this unfortunate accident.
Injury Accidents in Minnesota
In Minnesota, accidents involving multiple vehicles, especially during adverse weather conditions, are not uncommon. With the onset of winter weather, roads can become treacherous, leading to higher risks of collisions. In this case, the accident involved seven vehicles, a mix of passenger cars and larger vehicles, including a Volvo tractor-trailer.
Winter weather often contributes to increased stopping distances and loss of traction on the road, which can result in chain-reaction accidents like this one. Drivers are urged to take extra precautions when driving during winter months, including reducing speed and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles.
The presence of multiple vehicles in such an accident creates challenges for emergency responders, who must assess each individual for injuries and manage the scene efficiently. The Stevens County Sheriff’s Office and local fire departments were essential in managing the aftermath of the crash, ensuring that all victims received the necessary care and that the roadway was cleared promptly.
Drivers involved in the crash were generally observed wearing seatbelts, which significantly helped reduce the severity of injuries. However, despite safety precautions, non-life-threatening injuries were sustained by several individuals, underscoring the importance of road safety, especially during the unpredictable winter months.
While the investigation into the exact cause of the pileup is ongoing, authorities stress the significance of preparedness when driving in harsh weather conditions. As the incident demonstrates, a moment of inattention or a lapse in judgment can quickly lead to catastrophic results.
Local authorities continue to work diligently to ensure the safe clearance of the roadway and to gather more information on the incident. As winter weather persists, motorists should stay informed about road conditions and prepare accordingly for possible hazardous driving situations.
Local Accident Reports urges everyone to remain vigilant while driving, particularly during inclement weather. For those affected by such accidents, seeking medical attention immediately is critical to ensuring proper recovery.