Blackberry Twp., MN (June 7, 2026) – A two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 2 and Dove Lane in Itasca County left one person with non-life-threatening injuries on Saturday evening, June 6. The crash prompted a response from the Minnesota State Patrol.
According to the MSP, the wreck happened around 8:02 p.m. in Blackberry Township. Investigators said a 2023 Toyota Camry was traveling northbound on Dove Lane when it entered the intersection and struck a westbound 2015 Honda Pilot on Highway 2.
The Camry driver, 79-year-old Maureen Ellen Kluge of Grand Rapids, was not reported hurt. The Honda Pilot driver, 64-year-old Charles Allen Bahr of Bemidji, was taken to Grand Itasca Hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Both drivers were wearing seat belts, and airbags deployed in each vehicle.
Roads were dry at the time of the crash. Additional details about what may have led to the collision were not immediately released.
State troopers continue working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the wreck. We hope the injured driver makes a smooth and full recovery.
Why Intersections on Highways Can Be Especially Dangerous
Highway intersections often present added risks because vehicles may be traveling at higher speeds while cross-traffic attempts to enter or cross the roadway. Even under dry weather conditions, drivers can face limited reaction time when another vehicle approaches unexpectedly from a side road or junction.
Crashes at intersections are commonly influenced by factors such as visibility, timing, and right-of-way decisions. In rural parts of Minnesota, highways that intersect with local roads may not always have traffic signals, which can increase the need for careful judgment before crossing or turning. Airbag deployment and seat belt use can significantly reduce the severity of injuries during these types of collisions. Investigators also typically review vehicle positions, roadway markings, and driver statements to better understand how the crash unfolded.
