Benton County, MN (February 20, 2026) – A five-vehicle crash on Highway 95 near 65th Ave NE claimed the life of a 29-year-old man Thursday morning. Emergency units responded to the scene around 6:46 a.m. after the collision was reported.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a 1999 Ford Mustang was traveling eastbound on Hwy 95 when it lost control and crossed into the westbound lanes. The Mustang struck a 1998 Ford Ranger traveling west. As drivers attempted to avoid the initial crash, a 2020 Jeep Renegade, 2015 Dodge Journey, and 2021 Chevrolet Equinox became involved in the collision.
The driver of the Mustang, Austin Alouis Greenwaldt of Saint Cloud, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Ford Ranger, Oscar John Pendergrass, 21, of Cambridge, and the driver of the Jeep Renegade, Christina Marie Dimler, 47, of Zimmerman, were taken to Saint Cloud Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The drivers of the Dodge Journey and Chevrolet Equinox were not hurt.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
How Loss of Control Crashes Lead to Multi-Vehicle Collisions on Rural Highways
Crashes on two-lane highways like Hwy 95 can quickly become severe when a vehicle crosses the centerline. When one driver loses control, oncoming traffic has little time to react. Even a brief moment can lead to head-on or side-impact collisions.
In rural areas, speeds are often higher and shoulders may be narrow. When drivers attempt to avoid an initial crash, secondary impacts can occur as vehicles swerve or brake suddenly. This can lead to chain-reaction collisions involving multiple cars.
Winter weather, early morning frost, or roadway conditions can also contribute to a vehicle losing control. Drivers traveling on rural highways should reduce speed when conditions change and remain alert for sudden hazards ahead. Maintaining control and allowing extra space between vehicles may help reduce the risk of multi-vehicle crashes.
