Four killed in three-vehicle crash in central Minnesota, patrol says
Four people were killed in a three-vehicle crash in central Minnesota Monday afternoon, according to the state patrol.
The patrol said the crash occurred just before 3 p.m. in Princeton Township. According to a crash report, an 80-year-old woman driving a Honda SUV west on Highway 95 near 75th Avenue crossed the center line, hitting a Volkswagen sedan heading the other way. A tire from one of those vehicles then hit a Nissan sedan behind the Volkswagen.
There were four people inside the Volkswagen, including two teenagers, according to the patrol. The Nissan and Honda each had only one occupant.
The patrol told WCCO on Tuesday morning it could not identify those killed or say which vehicles they were in until family had been notified. According to the crash report, the patrol will release more information Tuesday afternoon.
A prayer vigil to honor the victims will be held at New Life Church in Princeton Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
"We want to provide a place that people can come to, a place to go and find refuge, to find community, to find hope. That is our goal. To just open up the doors of the church and to support one another," said Pastor Corey Kalinowski.
Three of the crash victims were congregants of the church, Kalinowski said.
"So these were a part of our community, four individuals that were deeply invested in the youth program. They are a big part of our church," Kalinowski said.
Residents say the road that the crash happened on is dangerous. The speed limit is 45 mph at times and 60 mph at times, but people go much faster, residents say.
WCCO analyzed crash records for that stretch of highway and found that in the past 12 months, there have been five deadly crashes. There have been other crashes that were not fatal, including a three-car pileup outside Shooter Restaurant and Bar.
Manager Jenna Benson told WCCO drivers are going too fast and trying to pass despite the lack of shoulder.
"You are constantly checking in the rear view mirror, anytime you turn off Highway 95, if somebody is coming up on you and that you have enough clearance to turn in," Benson said.
