Le Ray Twp, MN (April 25, 2025) – Two drivers sustained non-life-threatening injuries in a two-vehicle crash on Wednesday afternoon along eastbound Highway 14 near milepost 142 in Le Ray Township, Blue Earth County. The collision occurred just before 1:00 p.m. and involved a 2016 Mazda 6 and a 1998 Chevrolet Camaro traveling eastbound.
First responders, including Mayo Clinic Ambulance, Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office, and Janesville Fire, arrived promptly at the scene. Medics and fire crews worked to assist those suffering from injuries after the collision. Both drivers were transported to MCHS – Mankato for further medical evaluation.
The driver of the Mazda, 34-year-old Emili Faye Kottschade of Waseca, was wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash. Airbags deployed in her vehicle, and she sustained injuries deemed non-life-threatening. The second driver, 65-year-old Raymond John Lotton of Janesville, was driving the Camaro. He was not wearing a seatbelt, and airbags in his vehicle did not deploy, but his injuries were also classified as non-life-threatening.
Authorities have confirmed that neither driver was under the influence of alcohol. The roadway was dry at the time of the crash, and weather conditions were not a factor.
Minnesota State Patrol is leading the investigation and working to determine the cause of the crash. Our thoughts are with both drivers as they recover from this incident.
Safety and Traffic Concerns on Rural Highways in Minnesota
Highway 14, a major east-west route through southern Minnesota, frequently sees a mix of commuter, agricultural, and commercial traffic. Sections like the one near Le Ray Township are often rural and undivided, which can increase the risk of high-speed collisions—especially during daytime hours when visibility is clear but reaction times may be tested by distracted driving or unexpected traffic behavior.
According to recent data from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, rural roadways like Hwy 14 continue to be the site of a significant percentage of the state’s injury accidents. Collisions involving older vehicles, like the 1998 Camaro in this incident, sometimes lack modern safety features such as effective airbag deployment, increasing the risk of injury during impact.
Motorists traveling these stretches are urged to remain vigilant, wear seatbelts, and reduce speeds when approaching intersections or during lane changes. As this crash illustrates, even under dry conditions, a moment’s lapse can lead to serious consequences.
For those involved in crashes, seeking immediate medical attention and documenting the accident thoroughly—especially when injuries are involved—is crucial for both recovery and any follow-up insurance or legal actions.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.
