Danube, MN (May 13, 2025) – A traffic collision involving a semi-truck and a passenger van resulted in multiple non-life-threatening injuries Monday morning at the intersection of Highway 212 and County Rd 1 in Renville County. The accident occurred at approximately 9:50 a.m., drawing immediate attention from local law enforcement and emergency services.
Emergency responders from Danube Police Department, Renville County Sheriff’s Office, and Olivia Ambulance were quick to the scene, providing care to the injured victims. The crash involved a northbound 2016 Mercedes van on County Rd 1 and a westbound 2025 Freightliner semi on Hwy 212. The two vehicles collided in the intersection under dry road conditions.
The 84-year-old van driver, David Ramsay Munro of Fort Myers, FL, was transported to Rice Hospital in Willmar with non-life-threatening injuries. His passenger, 91-year-old Carol Munro, also of Fort Myers, sustained similar injuries and was taken to North Memorial for medical care. Both occupants were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash, and the airbags in the van deployed properly.
The driver of the Freightliner, 32-year-old Yevhenii Nykolenko of Arlington Heights, IL, was reportedly unharmed and did not require hospitalization. His vehicle’s airbags did not deploy, and he was also belted in. Alcohol was not a factor for any of the individuals involved.
The intersection was temporarily closed to allow crews to assist the injured and clear the wreckage. The Minnesota State Patrol is leading the investigation into the incident. No citations or charges have been reported at this time.
Our thoughts are with those affected by this accident.
Senior Driver Safety and Rural Intersection Risks in Minnesota
Crashes at rural intersections like Hwy 212 and County Rd 1 pose serious safety concerns, especially when large commercial trucks are involved. In many cases, factors such as limited visibility, high-speed crossing traffic, and infrequent signal control contribute to dangerous situations.
Minnesota traffic safety authorities have reported that senior drivers are more likely to be involved in intersection-related collisions, often due to slower reaction times and vision or hearing challenges. In this case, both occupants of the van were senior citizens traveling through rural Renville County.
Intersection accidents involving semi-trucks are particularly dangerous due to the sheer mass of the vehicles involved. Although this crash fortunately resulted only in non-life-threatening injuries, such incidents can easily escalate to life-altering events, especially in areas with limited emergency medical access.
To help prevent similar accidents, drivers are urged to approach rural intersections with caution, ensure clear views in all directions, and yield appropriately. Senior drivers may also benefit from regular medical evaluations to ensure continued safety behind the wheel.
For those injured in such accidents, documenting the crash thoroughly and seeking immediate medical and legal support is essential. Understanding the rights and responsibilities following a multi-vehicle crash involving commercial vehicles can be critical for recovery and compensation.
For more information or to receive help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports.
