Chatfield Twp, MN (August 14, 2025) – An accident involving two passenger vehicles left both drivers injured Tuesday night in Fillmore County. The crash occurred at approximately 10:15 p.m., along Highway 30 just west of City View Ln in Chatfield Township.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a 2013 Toyota Corolla traveling northbound collided with a 2010 Chevy Impala heading southbound on Hwy 30. The impact left both vehicles with significant damage, and airbags deployed in both cars. Emergency responders from the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office and the Chatfield Police Department were dispatched to the scene to assist.
The Toyota Corolla was driven by 19-year-old Natalie Mavis Hawkins of Wabasha, MN. She was transported to St. Marys Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The 17-year-old male driver of the Chevy Impala also sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the same facility for care. Both drivers were wearing seat belts, and no alcohol was involved in the crash.
The roadway was reported dry at the time of the collision, and authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
We extend our best wishes for a full and timely recovery to both young drivers involved in this accident.
Teen Driving Accidents in Minnesota
The crash near City View Ln on Highway 30 underscores the ongoing concern around teen-involved crashes in Minnesota, particularly on rural roads at night. With both drivers in this incident being teenagers—ages 17 and 19—the collision serves as a reminder of the heightened risks associated with younger, less experienced motorists navigating high-speed two-lane highways.
Nighttime driving presents additional challenges for teen drivers, including reduced visibility, slower reaction times, and increased likelihood of misjudging distance or speed. Rural roads like Hwy 30, where traffic volumes may be lower but speeds are high, often see severe outcomes when vehicles collide head-on, even when safety systems like airbags and seat belts are properly used.
In this case, both drivers were buckled and sober—factors that likely helped reduce the severity of the injuries. Still, the incident highlights the need for ongoing education, graduated licensing enforcement, and community programs that reinforce safe driving habits among youth in Greater Minnesota.
For families, accidents involving teen drivers can be especially stressful—both emotionally and financially. Medical care, insurance complications, and the impact on school or work routines can make recovery more complex.
At Local Accident Reports, we’re committed to helping victims and their families in rural communities like Chatfield Twp navigate the aftermath of serious collisions. If your teen has been involved in a crash in Fillmore County or anywhere across Minnesota, we provide the resources and support you need to take the next step with clarity and confidence.
