Minneapolis, MN (February 1, 2026) – Emergency crews responded to a traffic accident with injuries reported along N Penn Ave in Minneapolis. According to dispatch audio, Engine 14 responded with EMS and police to an injury accident at a location on Penn Avenue North, listed in the call as map 414 Alpha. The incident was reported at 8:24 p.m. on January 31, 2026. During the response, crews advised that a patient had suffered head injuries reportedly related to airbag deployment. Responders also noted that one vehicle was blocking the northbound lane while another vehicle was partially in the street as crews worked the scene and awaited police arrival.
Key Details
- Location: Minneapolis, MN
- Where: N Penn Ave
- Type: Injury Accident Reported
- Reported: January 31, 2026, 8:24 p.m.
- Injuries: Reported
- Responding Agency: Hennepin MN Fire Dispatch Group Calls
What We Know So Far
- Emergency crews responded to an injury accident on Penn Avenue North in Minneapolis.
- The call was reported at approximately 8:24 p.m. on January 31, 2026.
- A patient was reported to have head injuries linked to airbag deployment.
- One vehicle was blocking the northbound lane, and another was partially in the street.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The total number of vehicles involved in the accident
- The extent of the reported head injury and whether hospital transport occurred
- The cause of the accident
- Whether any citations will be issued
Local Context
N Penn Ave is a major north Minneapolis corridor, and crashes along this stretch can quickly disrupt traffic flow, especially when vehicles are left blocking lanes. In this incident, responders reported one vehicle stopping traffic in the northbound lane while another remained partly in the street, requiring additional coordination as police responded from the area of Penn and 23rd Ave N. With EMS assisting an injured individual and crews working in active lanes, the scene likely required careful traffic control while responders documented the situation and helped restore safe roadway access.
What to Do Next
- Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone needs immediate medical attention.
- Follow directions from police or emergency personnel and use caution around emergency vehicles and traffic changes.
- If it’s safe, take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and the surrounding area for documentation.
- Monitor how you feel after the crash, since some injuries can develop or worsen hours later.
FAQ
Q: Why are details sometimes limited right after a crash?
A: Early reports often focus on emergency response and scene safety. Full details may not be released until officials confirm facts and complete their initial documentation.
Q: Why do multi-vehicle crashes take longer to clear?
A: When multiple vehicles are involved, responders must check more people for injuries, document a larger scene, and arrange towing or cleanup before traffic can safely resume.
Q: What happens when police arrive at a crash scene?
A: Police typically secure the area, gather statements, document vehicle positions and road conditions, and coordinate with EMS and fire crews before preparing an official report.
