Austin, MN (February 3, 2026) -Authorities responded to a two-vehicle accident involving injuries on northbound Highway 218 at 270th St in Lansing Township, Mower County. The crash occurred at approximately 11:34 AM on February 2. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a 2008 Chevrolet Impala and a 2015 Ford Fusion were both traveling northbound when they collided on the wet roadway. One driver, identified as 18-year-old Kaydance Marie Verhey of Austin, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin. The other driver, 30-year-old Mitchell Roger Leistikow of Saint Charles, was not injured. Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service and the Mower County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the scene.
Key Details
- Location: Austin, MN
- Where: Northbound Hwy 218 at 270th St, Lansing Township
- Type: Injury Accident Reported
- Reported: February 2, 2026, 11:34 AM
- Injuries: Confirmed
- Responding Agency: Minnesota State Patrol; Mower County Sheriff’s Office; Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service
What We Know So Far
- The crash involved a 2008 Chevy Impala and a 2015 Ford Fusion.
- Both vehicles were traveling northbound on Highway 218 at the time of the collision.
- Kaydance Marie Verhey, 18, was injured and transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
- Mitchell Roger Leistikow, 30, was not injured.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The specific circumstances that led to the vehicles colliding.
- The extent of vehicle damage sustained in the crash.
- Whether weather conditions directly contributed to the incident.
- Whether citations or charges may be issued following the investigation.
Local Context
The stretch of Highway 218 near 270th St in Lansing Township runs through rural Mower County and is a common route for local and regional travel. With road conditions described as wet at the time of the incident, drivers may have faced reduced traction. Crashes in this part of southeastern Minnesota often draw response from multiple agencies including county deputies and regional ambulance teams. When collisions result in injuries, responders focus first on medical care and roadway control, with follow-up investigations conducted by the Minnesota State Patrol. Official updates are provided once initial reviews are complete.
What to Do Next
- If you were involved, move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
- Follow directions from police or emergency personnel and use caution around emergency vehicles and traffic changes.
- Request the incident or report number from responding officers if one is provided.
- Keep paperwork from the incident in one place for easy reference.
FAQ
Q: What information is typically included in a crash report?
A: A crash report usually includes the time, location, vehicles involved, driver details, injuries, contributing conditions, and whether any citations were issued.
Q: Why do multi-vehicle crashes take longer to clear?
A: Responders must evaluate each vehicle, assist the injured, and gather separate statements. This can take more time than single-vehicle incidents.
Q: Who decides whether citations are issued after a crash?
A: Investigating officers assess evidence and statements at the scene to determine whether any traffic laws were violated and if citations are appropriate.
