Hibbing, MN (January 1, 2026) – An accident involving a utility task vehicle (UTV) and a sport utility vehicle (SUV) left two people injured in the city of Hibbing. The crash occurred at approximately 9:28 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. Highway 169 and East 39th Street in St. Louis County.
According to reports from the Minnesota State Patrol, a 2016 Yamaha side-by-side UTV was traveling east on 39th St E when it collided with a northbound 2016 Dodge Durango on Highway 169. Emergency personnel from Hibbing Fire and Ambulance, along with local police and towing services, responded quickly to the scene.
The UTV’s driver, 26-year-old Kyshaun Jahleek-Sinclair Klasko of Hibbing, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to FRMC Hibbing Hospital. His passenger, 21-year-old Lynzee Ann Pound, also from Hibbing, was similarly treated for non-life-threatening injuries at the same facility. Neither was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, though both had seat belts secured.
The Dodge Durango was occupied by a 16-year-old female driver and a 15-year-old male passenger, both of whom were unharmed and did not require hospital treatment. All parties were reportedly wearing seat belts, and no alcohol was involved in the incident.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the collision. Our thoughts are with those injured as they recover from this accident.
UTV and Passenger Vehicle Collisions in Minnesota
Crashes involving utility task vehicles (UTVs) and standard passenger vehicles are relatively rare on public roads but can be especially serious when they occur at intersections or high-speed routes like U.S. Highway 169. Unlike enclosed vehicles, UTVs offer less structural protection, making collisions with larger vehicles like SUVs more dangerous for occupants.
This incident at Hwy 169 and E 39th St in Hibbing highlights several key safety concerns. While both UTV occupants wore seat belts, the lack of helmet use in a side-by-side crash remains a significant factor in injury risk. Minnesota law does not always mandate helmet use in UTVs for adults, but safety advocates continue to stress their importance—particularly when UTVs are operated near traffic.
Intersection-related crashes are among the most common causes of injury collisions across the state, and determining right-of-way can become complex when non-traditional vehicles like UTVs are involved. The combination of road speed, visibility, and timing plays a critical role in these types of incidents.
Injured individuals may face mounting medical bills, missed work, and the challenges of long-term recovery. For victims and families affected by crashes involving recreational or utility vehicles, access to clear support and guidance is essential for managing next steps.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in an accident involving a UTV or passenger vehicle, Local Accident Reports is here to help. We connect victims with trusted resources for medical, legal, and insurance support—helping them navigate the recovery process with clarity and care. Contact us today to begin your journey toward recovery.
