Germantown Township, MN (March 22, 2026) – A deadly head-on crash between an SUV and a transit van claimed five lives on Friday afternoon, March 20, in southwestern Minnesota. The collision occurred around 4:40 p.m. on Highway 71 near 240th Street in Cottonwood County.
A northbound GMC Terrain, driven by 67-year-old Martin Hanson of Springfield, struck a southbound Ford Transit van. Four passengers in the van, 49-year-old Kelly Hargus, 73-year-old Kathleen Johnson, 73-year-old Richard Johnson, and 47-year-old Lindsey Rossow, were killed. The condition of the 42-year-old van driver from Lakefield has not been released.
Several others were hurt in the crash. A 44-year-old woman and a 54-year-old man from Lakefield suffered life-threatening injuries; the woman was taken to Redwood Hospital while the man was airlifted to Sanford Sioux Falls. Six additional passengers, aged 19 to 25, sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. Our condolences go out to the victims’ loved ones.
Understanding Head-on Crashes on Rural Highways
Head-on collisions on rural highways often occur at high speeds, leaving little time for drivers to react. These accidents are among the most severe due to the combined force of two vehicles moving toward each other. Road conditions, visibility, and driver fatigue or distraction can all contribute to such crashes.
Emergency response can be complicated in rural areas because hospitals may be farther away, and air transport is sometimes necessary for critically injured patients. Passengers in the rear seats of larger vans may be particularly vulnerable during frontal impacts. Safety measures such as seat belts, reduced speed limits, and cautious passing can help reduce the risk of serious injury in these situations.
