Kathio Twp, MN (August 14, 2025) – A 25-year-old pedestrian sustained non-life-threatening injuries after a collision with an SUV on Wednesday afternoon in Mille Lacs County. The incident occurred around 1:20 p.m. on Hwy 169 at Captive Lake Rd in Kathio Township, prompting a multi-agency emergency response.
First responders, including Onamia Ambulance, Garrison Fire, Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office, and Mille Lacs Tribal Police, responded swiftly to the scene. North Air Care assisted in the medical transport of the injured pedestrian, who was identified as a female from Grasston. She was transported to North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale for treatment.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the pedestrian was running southbound along the northbound shoulder of Hwy 169 when she ran into the side of a 2020 Hyundai Sante Fe traveling southbound. The SUV was driven by a 63-year-old woman from Garrison, who was not injured in the incident. No airbags deployed, and officials confirmed that alcohol was not involved for either party.
The crash did not result in any roadway closures, but emergency personnel remained on site to provide aid and conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Our thoughts are with the injured pedestrian, and we hope for her full and speedy recovery.
Pedestrian Accidents in Minnesota
This collision on Hwy 169 in Kathio Township brings attention to the rising concern over pedestrian safety on Minnesota’s rural highways. Unlike urban streets where sidewalks and pedestrian signals offer some protection, rural corridors such as this one often lack adequate pedestrian infrastructure, putting individuals at greater risk—especially when walking or running near traffic lanes.
In this case, the pedestrian was on the shoulder of the road, moving against the traffic direction, when she collided with a moving SUV. Such incidents underscore how visibility, timing, and driver-pedestrian awareness all play critical roles in safety. The dry road conditions likely gave drivers optimal visibility, yet even with good weather, collisions involving pedestrians can occur unexpectedly, especially near curves or areas without clear shoulder separation.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety has documented an increase in pedestrian-related crashes in non-urban counties over the past few years. These incidents often result in serious injuries due to the speed differential between moving vehicles and individuals on foot. Despite being non-life-threatening, injuries from such crashes may still require extensive recovery time, especially when trauma to the limbs or head is involved.
When pedestrians are struck on highways, it’s vital for emergency crews to act quickly—and in this incident, the combined response of ground and air medical units ensured the injured party received timely treatment. Additionally, documenting these events thoroughly helps agencies identify danger zones and implement future safety measures, such as signage or shoulder improvements.
If you or someone you care about was hurt in a pedestrian crash like the one in Mille Lacs County, Local Accident Reports is here to help. We offer trusted updates and connect victims with medical, legal, and recovery resources they need to move forward. Contact us today to find out how we can support your healing process after a serious accident.
