New London Twp., MN (July 3, 2026) – Three people were injured on Thursday afternoon, July 2, after a two-vehicle crash in Kandiyohi County.
The crash happened at 2:26 p.m. at the intersection of northbound Highway 23 and North Shore Drive in New London Township. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a Toyota Tacoma was traveling north on Highway 23, while a Subaru Crosstrek was traveling west on North Shore Drive, and the vehicles collided in the intersection. Airbags deployed in both vehicles, according to the report.
The Toyota driver, 70-year-old Dennis Dean Stewart of Hawick, and his passenger, 69-year-old Darlene Ann Stewart, were both taken to Paynesville Hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
The Subaru driver, 85-year-old Marlene Julia Olson of Willmar, was taken to Willmar Hospital with injuries that were also not considered life-threatening. The report noted that the road was dry, and alcohol was not suspected. The Kandiyohi County crash remains under review as officials work to confirm the full sequence of events.
We hope all three injured people receive the care needed and make a full recovery.
Afternoon Two-Vehicle Crashes Create Safety Concerns
Afternoon crashes at highway intersections can happen quickly when vehicles enter the same crossing from different directions. Drivers may be watching speed, signs, cross traffic, and turning vehicles while trying to move safely through the intersection.
When airbags deploy in both vehicles, medical checks may be needed even if injuries are not life-threatening. People involved may have pain in the head, neck, chest, back, or legs after the force of the crash.
Rural highway intersections usually require a careful review after an injury accident. Investigators may examine vehicle direction, right-of-way, speed, road condition, visibility, and where both vehicles came to rest to understand how the collision happened.
