DULUTH, St. Louis County, Minn., Oct. 17, 2026 — A wrong-way crash on southbound I-35 killed one driver and left another with life-threatening injuries early on Friday morning, October 16, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
The crash happened around 6:20 a.m. north of Cody St. A 2021 Mazda CX-5 was heading south on I-35 when it was hit head-on by a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado pickup that was traveling north in the southbound lanes, the wrong direction for that side of the highway.
The driver of the pickup, identified by the state patrol as 74-year-old Michael James Sauer of Duluth, died in the crash. The driver of the Mazda, 35-year-old Joseph David Hartman, also of Duluth, suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to Essentia Health St. Mary's, the report said.
The roadway was wet at the time of the crash. Duluth police and fire crews responded to the scene. The circumstances that led the pickup to travel the wrong way on the interstate remain under investigation.
Our sympathies are with the family of the person who lost their life.
More on Crashes in DULUTH, MN
This crash happened on I-35 in DULUTH, MN. We cover crashes across St. Louis County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our St. Louis County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most traffic crashes happen?
A large share of serious crashes occur on highways and interstates, where higher speeds and wrong-way or head-on collisions tend to cause more severe injuries than crashes on local streets.
What can drivers do to avoid a wrong-way or head-on collision?
Staying alert for vehicles entering ramps incorrectly, keeping a safe following distance, and slowing down in wet or low-visibility conditions can help drivers react in time if another vehicle appears in the wrong lane.
What injuries are most common in head-on crashes?
Head-on and wrong-way collisions usually cause chest, head, and spinal injuries because of the direct impact and sudden stop, even at moderate speeds.
What usually causes wrong-way crashes?
Wrong-way crashes are sometimes linked to driver confusion at interchanges, impaired driving, or medical emergencies, though the specific cause in any case depends on the investigation.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Duluth, Minnesota
If you're involved in a crash on a highway, try to move to a safe location if possible and turn on hazard lights to alert oncoming traffic. Call 911 right away and wait for emergency crews before attempting to assess damage or injuries. Even if you feel fine, a medical evaluation afterward is a good idea, since some injuries, especially from a head-on impact, aren't immediately obvious. Be sure to get a copy of the official crash report once it's available, and keep records of any medical visits or vehicle damage for your own documentation.
