Verndale, MN (June 14, 2026) – Two elderly occupants of a Toyota Venza were injured in a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 10 and Brown Street in Verndale. The accident was reported on Friday, around 4:30 p.m.
A 2024 Toyota Venza was traveling eastbound on Highway 10 while a 2015 Dodge Dart was heading northbound on Brown Street. Investigators stated that one of the vehicles failed to see the other, resulting in a collision within the intersection.
The Toyota driver, 84-year-old Donald Gerald Jablonsky of Bismarck, North Dakota, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Astera Hospital. His passenger, 79-year-old Margie Ann Jablonsky, also suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the same hospital for treatment.
23-year-old Benjamin John Sellnow of Wadena drove the Dodge. His passenger, 21-year-old Teagan C.J. Koval of Wadena, was also involved in the crash. Neither occupant of the Dodge reported injuries. Authorities noted that road conditions were dry at the time of the collision. We are thinking of those involved.
Why Intersection Crashes Remain Common on Local Roadways
Intersections are among the most common locations for traffic accidents because they require drivers to monitor vehicles approaching from multiple directions while making quick decisions. Even on clear, dry days, a momentary lapse in attention or a failure to recognize another vehicle can lead to a collision.
Factors such as sight lines, traffic volume, vehicle speed, and driver awareness can all influence safety at intersections. Crashes frequently occur when one motorist misjudges the movement of another vehicle or does not notice traffic entering the intersection. Modern vehicles include safety features such as airbags and seat belts that can help reduce injury severity, but collisions at intersections still account for a significant portion of roadway incidents each year. Understanding these risks highlights the importance of remaining alert whenever approaching or crossing an intersection.
