Cotton Township, MN (April 19, 2026) – A two-vehicle crash was reported Friday afternoon, April 17, at the intersection of Hwy 53 and Arkola Rd in Cotton Township.
According to state officials, the collision occurred around 3 p.m. in the southbound lanes of Hwy 53. A Pontiac Grand Prix was traveling eastbound on Arkola Rd when it collided with a Buick LaCrosse heading southbound on the highway.
Emergency units responded to the scene and worked to clear the roadway. Debris from the crash was visible near nearby businesses, including Wilbert Cafe and El Toro Lounge. Traffic in the area was briefly affected but resumed shortly after crews cleared the site.
The driver of the Buick was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. No other injuries were confirmed at the time of the report.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. Our thoughts are with those affected as they continue to recover.
How Intersection Crashes Often Occur on Rural Highways
Crashes at highway intersections can happen when vehicles approach from different directions at varying speeds. Drivers on smaller roads may misjudge gaps in traffic or fail to yield to vehicles already traveling on a main highway.
Visibility can also be a factor, especially in rural areas where intersections may not have traffic signals. Trees, buildings, or weather conditions can limit a driver’s view of oncoming traffic, increasing the chance of a collision.
In some cases, speed differences between vehicles play a role. A car entering or crossing a highway may not accelerate quickly enough to avoid an approaching vehicle. Paying close attention at intersections and reducing speed when needed can help lower the risk of these types of accidents.
