Melrose Township, MN (August 11, 2026) – A two-vehicle collision led to five people being injured on Sunday afternoon, August 9, after two vehicles collided on westbound Interstate 94 near milepost 131 in Stearns County.
The crash happened around 2:02 p.m. According to reports, both vehicles were traveling westbound when they collided, causing a 2011 Kia Sorento to leave the roadway and roll. The Kia driver, 40-year-old Ryan Michael Morrell of Coon Rapids, and his passengers, an 11-year-old and a 7-year-old, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. All three were taken to CentraCare Sauk Centre.
The driver of the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 57-year-old Wendi Rae Rothfork of Elk River, and her 82-year-old passenger, Janice Leone Semear of Big Lake, also suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Both were transported to CentraCare Sauk Centre, and all five occupants were wearing seat belts. We are keeping everyone involved in our thoughts.
What Factors Can Affect Injuries in a Rollover Crash?
Rollover crashes can produce different types of injuries depending on the speed, direction of impact, and movement of the vehicle after the collision. Occupants may experience forces from the initial impact as well as from the vehicle rolling or leaving the roadway.
Seat belts can help keep occupants inside the vehicle and reduce movement during a crash. Airbags may provide additional protection during certain impacts, although their deployment depends on the circumstances of the collision.
Road conditions can also affect how vehicles respond after an impact. Dry pavement, wet surfaces, roadway design, and vehicle handling may influence whether a vehicle remains on the road or leaves the travel lanes.
