Melrose Twp., MN (July 20, 2026) – Three people were injured on Saturday, July 18, in a two-vehicle collision on westbound Interstate 94. The accident occurred around 1:16 p.m. near milepost 132 in Stearns County.
A 2015 Nissan Altima and a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu were traveling west when they made contact. The road was dry at the time. Altima driver Jackie N. Dennis, 33, of Sandy Spring, Georgia, had non-life-threatening injuries. Her passengers, 8-year-old Rayden S. Tugba and 63-year-old Beatrice Mama Wilson of Crystal, also had non-life-threatening injuries.
Emergency units took all three occupants to Melrose Hospital. Malibu driver Demetrius Xzayvion Rosas, 26, of Saint Paul, was not hurt. Everyone involved was wearing a seat belt, and alcohol was not suspected. The cause of the crash remains under review.
We hope those receiving treatment make a swift and full recovery.
How Same-Direction Highway Collisions Can Affect Multiple Occupants
Vehicles traveling in the same direction may collide during lane changes, sudden slowing, or close-following traffic. Even when both cars move west, contact can redirect either vehicle within seconds.
The angle of contact could affect how occupants move inside the cabin. Side contact can cause abrupt lateral motion, while rear contact may push a car forward or alter its path. Seat belts help limit movement during these forces.
Road markings, tire marks, vehicle damage, and final positions can help clarify the sequence. Traffic flow and spacing may also provide useful context. Airbag deployment varies by contact angle and force, so one car may activate its airbags while another does not. Medical evaluations can identify pain, fractures, or internal trauma that may not be visible immediately.
