Hutchinson Twp, MN (May 13, 2026) – A two-car crash left one person hurt on Tuesday, May 12, on Highway 22 at Highway 7, east of Hutchinson in McLeod County. The collision occurred at approximately 1:13 p.m. under dry road conditions.
Both vehicles were heading northbound on Highway 22 when they collided. The crash involved a 2013 Chevrolet Impala driven by Patricia Clair Wegner, 67, of Winsted, and a 2016 Ford Edge driven by Jennifer Elizabeth Wanous, 62, of Silver Lake. Neither airbag deployed in either vehicle.
Wegner was not hurt in the crash. Wanous suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Glencoe Hospital for treatment. Both drivers were wearing seat belts.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
Our thoughts are with Jennifer Wanous as she recovers.
What Typically Causes Rear-End and Same-Direction Crashes?
Crashes between two vehicles traveling in the same direction are among the more common types seen on Minnesota state highways. They often occur when one driver slows or stops unexpectedly, and the vehicle behind does not have enough time or distance to react. Following distance, speed, and driver attentiveness are all factors that can affect how these situations unfold.
Rural highway intersections, like those where two state routes meet, can also create moments of confusion for drivers. A vehicle slowing to turn or merge can catch a following driver off guard, particularly when traffic patterns shift. Dry road conditions do not always prevent these crashes, since speed and reaction time remain factors regardless of the weather.
