BUFFALO, Wright County, Minn., Oct. 10, 2026 — A 91-year-old Buffalo woman died on Thursday morning, October 8, after a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of southbound Hwy 25 and John Ause Memorial Drive. A 96-year-old man was also hurt in the collision.
According to the state patrol report, a Buick LeSabre was turning left into a Walmart parking lot from northbound Hwy 25 when it collided with a Ford Econoline van traveling southbound on Hwy 25. The crash happened shortly before 11 a.m., the report says, on dry pavement.
The Buick's driver, a 96-year-old Maple Lake man, was taken to Buffalo Hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. His passenger, a 91-year-old Buffalo woman, died from her injuries; the state patrol listed her condition as fatal. The van's driver, a 29-year-old Big Lake woman, was not injured.
Buffalo Police and Allina ambulance crews responded to the scene. The state patrol said the information in its report is believed complete, though the circumstances of the crash remain under review.
Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the person who died.
A Common Misconception About Left-Turn Crashes
Many drivers assume that left-turn collisions happen mostly because a driver misjudges speed or distance at high-speed intersections. In reality, these crashes are common at ordinary intersections and driveways, usually involving a vehicle turning across oncoming traffic into a business entrance or side street, much like a turn into a parking lot.
Another assumption is that these crashes are rare or minor because they tend to happen at lower speeds than highway collisions. The outcome usually depends less on speed and more on where the impact lands and who is riding where in the vehicle.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 2,442,581 people were injured in traffic crashes in 2023. Left-turn crashes make up a meaningful share of intersection collisions nationwide, underscoring that they are a routine part of the overall crash picture, not an unusual exception.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is distracted driving dangerous in intersection crashes?
Even a glance away from the road can delay a driver's response when another vehicle is turning or crossing a lane of traffic, reducing the time available to brake or steer away from a collision.
How do road and weather conditions affect left-turn crashes?
Dry, clear conditions remove some variables, but visibility, traffic volume, and the speed of oncoming vehicles still play a large role in whether a turning driver can safely judge a gap.
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Move to a safe location if possible, call 911, and seek medical evaluation even if injuries aren't immediately obvious. Exchange information with the other driver, wait for police to arrive, and document the scene.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Buffalo, Minnesota
If you're involved in a crash in Buffalo, stay as calm as you can and check yourself and any passengers for injuries before doing anything else. Call 911 right away so police and medical crews can respond.
Even if you feel fine, it's worth getting checked by a doctor, since some injuries take hours or days to show symptoms. Keep a copy of the police report and any medical records in case you need them later. Reach out to loved ones, and give yourself time to process what happened. Local hospitals and your primary care provider can help guide next steps for recovery.
