Northfield, MN (February 19, 2026) – An injury crash was reported Thursday morning at the intersection of Highway 3 and Jefferson Pkwy in Rice County. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a 2007 Honda CRV traveling southbound on Hwy 3 and a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder traveling northbound collided at the intersection. Two people sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported for medical care.
Key Details
- Reported: February 19 at 9:29 a.m.
- Location: Highway 3 and Jefferson Pkwy, Northfield, Rice County
- Type: Two-vehicle intersection crash
- Injuries: Two individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries
- Response Agencies: Northfield Police, Northfield Fire, Northfield Ambulance
What We Know So Far
- The Honda CRV was traveling southbound on Hwy 3 at the time of the collision.
- The Nissan Pathfinder was traveling northbound on Hwy 3.
- The vehicles collided at the intersection with Jefferson Pkwy.
- The 74-year-old passenger in the Nissan was transported to Northfield Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
- The 77-year-old driver of the Honda was also transported to Northfield Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
- The 74-year-old driver of the Nissan was not injured.
- Authorities reported that alcohol was not suspected and all occupants were wearing seat belts.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The exact sequence of events leading up to the crash.
- Whether any citations will be issued.
- The extent of damage to the vehicles involved.
- Whether traffic delays extended beyond the initial response.
The intersection of Hwy 3 and Jefferson Pkwy in Northfield serves as a key crossing point for drivers traveling through Rice County. With northbound and southbound traffic converging at Jefferson Pkwy, turning movements and signal timing play an important role in managing vehicle flow. When crashes occur at intersections like this, agencies including Northfield Police and Northfield Fire typically focus first on assessing injuries and securing the roadway before documenting vehicle positions and impact points. Morning crashes can coincide with local traffic patterns, requiring coordination to restore normal flow while injured individuals receive evaluation at nearby medical facilities. Additional information may be released as investigators complete their review.
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.
- Remain at the scene and cooperate with first responders. Leaving before police arrive can create complications later.
- If it’s safe, take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and the surrounding area.
- Monitor how you feel after the crash. Some injuries can appear hours or days later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are details sometimes limited right after a crash?
Officers focus first on medical response and securing the intersection. Additional details are often released after investigators confirm vehicle positions, statements, and roadway conditions.
What are common causes of intersection crashes?
Intersection crashes can involve turning movements, signal timing, and drivers misjudging gaps in traffic, all of which can contribute to collisions.
What does it mean when a crash is under investigation?
When a crash is under investigation, authorities are reviewing evidence and statements to determine how the collision occurred and whether any traffic violations took place.
Source
Read the original coverage here: original report.
