Virginia, MN (June 29, 2026) – An injury crash involving two SUVs occurred on Saturday morning, June 27, at the intersection of northbound Highway 53 and 2nd Avenue in Virginia.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, an 83-year-old woman driving a 2022 Chevy Trailblazer entered the turn lane and attempted to make a left turn onto 2nd Avenue. During the maneuver, the Trailblazer came into contact with a northbound 2019 Subaru Ascent traveling through the intersection.
The Trailblazer driver, identified as Susan Julianne Kemp, was taken to Essentia Health Virginia with non-life-threatening injuries. The Subaru driver, 26-year-old Allysan Leigh Mickle, and a young passenger were not hurt. The cause of the crash remains under review as investigators continue gathering information.
We wish the injured driver a full and speedy recovery.
How Left-Turn Crashes Commonly Happen at Intersections
Left-turn crashes usually occur when one driver misjudges the speed or distance of approaching traffic while crossing or entering a travel lane. Intersections can be especially challenging because drivers must monitor vehicles coming from multiple directions while making decisions within a short period.
Several factors can contribute to these types of collisions, including limited visibility, heavy traffic, or failing to yield the right of way. Airbag deployment and seat belt use can help reduce the severity of injuries during a crash, although they cannot prevent every injury. After a collision, investigators typically examine vehicle positions, roadway conditions, traffic controls, and driver statements to determine how the sequence of events unfolded. These findings help create a clearer picture of what occurred and may also support future roadway safety improvements.
