Maine Prairie Twp, MN (August 14, 2025) – A rear-end collision involving two northbound vehicles resulted in injuries to an elderly driver Tuesday afternoon in Stearns County. The incident occurred at approximately 4:36 p.m. on Highway 15 at 150th St in Maine Prairie Township, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
Medics and fire crews from the Kimball Fire Department responded swiftly to the scene, where an 86-year-old woman from Saint Cloud was found injured in the crash. The woman, identified as Barbara Ann Keigan, was driving a 2021 Subaru Forester when her vehicle was rear-ended by a 2023 Dodge Durango driven by 49-year-old Ronnie Lee Rose of Kimball.
Emergency responders provided medical aid and transported Keigan to Saint Cloud Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Her Subaru’s airbags deployed during the crash. Rose, the driver of the Durango, was reportedly uninjured and declined transport. Both drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the collision, and no alcohol was involved.
The road was reported as dry at the time, and the cause of the crash is believed to be a result of following too closely or failure to stop in time. The incident is being reviewed by local authorities in conjunction with the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office.
We extend our thoughts to Barbara Ann Keigan and wish her a full recovery following this incident.
Rear-End Collisions in Minnesota
The rear-end crash that occurred on Highway 15 near 150th St highlights a common yet serious type of accident on Minnesota’s roadways. Rear-end collisions frequently happen when drivers become distracted or misjudge following distances—especially on highways where speeds can increase quickly with little room for error.
In this case, the Subaru Forester driven by an elderly motorist was struck from behind by a larger SUV, leading to injury and the activation of airbags. While no fatalities occurred, the victim was transported for hospital care, illustrating how even seemingly minor impacts can result in meaningful harm—particularly for older drivers who may be more vulnerable to physical trauma.
Minnesota law requires drivers to maintain a safe following distance at all times, and crashes like this one often bring liability issues to the forefront. Victims may be eligible for compensation through personal injury claims, but navigating the system requires timely reporting, clear medical documentation, and often the support of experienced resources.
The involvement of emergency services from Kimball and Stearns County reflects strong coordination in rural Minnesota communities, ensuring that injured drivers receive the attention they need promptly. Still, recovery from any crash extends well beyond the scene. Victims may face physical therapy, financial stress, or a loss of independence—particularly for older adults.
This incident on Highway 15 also reinforces the need for ongoing public education around defensive driving, especially on rural highways where reaction times and vehicle spacing are critical to avoiding crashes.
If you or someone close to you has been injured in a car accident in Minnesota, Local Accident Reports is here to offer support. Our team connects injury victims with the resources, tools, and information needed to understand their rights and begin the recovery process. Contact us today to find out how we can help you move forward with confidence.
