Fillmore County, MN (April 22, 2026) – A teenage driver was injured in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Highway 16 and Fillmore County Road 11, about four miles west of Preston.
Emergency units responded shortly after 7:45 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22, after an SUV and a car collided at the rural intersection. Investigators said the crash involved a 2018 car traveling east on Hwy 16 and an SUV heading south on County Road 11 when the vehicles struck each other.
The driver of the car was identified as 18-year-old Emma Jean Broadwater of Spring Valley. She sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester for further treatment.
The SUV driver, identified as 53-year-old Gregory David Lenz of Owatonna, was not injured in the collision. Officials confirmed both drivers were wearing seat belts at the time, and no alcohol was involved.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash.
Our thoughts are with the injured driver as she receives medical care.
How Rural Intersection Crashes Commonly Occur on State Highways
Rural highway intersections can present challenges due to higher travel speeds and limited stopping distance. When two roads meet at angles like Highway 16 and County Road 11, drivers may misjudge speed or distance when crossing or turning.
Visibility can also play a role, especially in areas with open fields, elevation changes, or limited signage. Even brief distractions or hesitation can lead to timing errors between approaching vehicles.
Seat belts remain one of the most effective safety measures in reducing injury severity during side-impact crashes. Intersections like these often rely on driver awareness and caution due to the lack of traffic signals or controlled stops.
