KINTIRE TWP, Redwood County, Minn., Oct. 13, 2026 — Four people were taken to a hospital after a two-vehicle crash on Sunday evening, October 11, on Highway 19 in Kintire Township. The Minnesota State Patrol reported the crash happened near mile marker 62 around 5:40 p.m.
A 2020 Chevrolet Traverse and a 2013 Hyundai Sonata were both traveling eastbound on Highway 19 when they collided, according to the state patrol. The road surface was reported dry at the time.
The Traverse was driven by Emily Marie Gemmill, 31, of Wabasso, Minnesota, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries. A 1-year-old boy riding with her was not injured. The Sonata was driven by Todd Donald Watkins, 56, of Wabasso, also hurt but not critically, along with passenger Jeri Ann Watkins, 55, also of Wabasso, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries as well.
All four people involved were taken to Redwood Hospital for treatment. Centra Care Ambulance, the Redwood County Sheriff's Office, Belview Fire Department and TNT Towing responded to the scene.
The state patrol said its report on the crash is believed complete, though the circumstances that led to the collision remain under review.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
How Investigators Piece Together a Highway Crash Like This
When a crash involves multiple injuries, officers at the scene first focus on securing the area and getting people to medical care. Only after that is done do they turn to measuring skid marks, photographing vehicle positions, and documenting road and weather conditions that might explain how the collision unfolded.
A full report often takes longer than the public expects. Investigators may need to interview witnesses separately, pull data from a vehicle's event recorder, or wait on medical records before they can describe what happened with confidence. When injuries are serious, agencies are also careful to confirm details before release, since early information can prove incomplete once all the evidence is in.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 2,442,581 people were injured in traffic crashes in 2023. That volume is part of why final reports on any single crash can take weeks: investigators are working through a backlog of cases, each requiring its own verification before conclusions are made public.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can drivers do to avoid crashes like this one?
Maintaining a safe following distance, staying alert in traffic, and avoiding distractions behind the wheel all reduce the chance of a collision, especially on multi-lane highways where vehicles merge or change speed.
What injuries commonly result from car accidents?
Common injuries include whiplash, bruising from seatbelts, and head or chest injuries from contact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or airbags. Severity depends heavily on speed and the angle of impact.
What usually causes crashes like this one?
Common factors include following too closely, being distracted, misjudging another vehicle's speed, or making sudden lane changes. Investigators look at all of these when reconstructing how a crash occurred.
Does speed change how serious a crash is?
Yes. Higher speeds increase both the force of impact and the distance needed to stop, which raises the likelihood of serious injury even in a crash that might otherwise be minor.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Kintire Twp, Minnesota
If you're involved in a crash in this area, call 911 right away and move to a safe location if possible. Even if injuries seem minor, it's worth getting checked by a medical provider, since some injuries like concussions or internal bruising aren't obvious right away.
Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver, and take photos of the vehicles and surroundings if you're able. Request a copy of the official crash report once it's available, and keep records of any medical visits tied to the accident for your own documentation.
