Mankato, MN (August 14, 2025) – A two-vehicle collision at the intersection of southbound Highway 22 and Basset Drive in Mankato left a 4-year-old child with non-life-threatening injuries on Wednesday morning. The crash occurred at approximately 10:32 AM and involved a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas and a 2020 Honda Pilot.
According to officials, the Volkswagen Atlas was traveling southbound on Highway 22, while the Honda Pilot was northbound and attempting to turn left onto Basset Dr when the two vehicles collided. Mankato Fire Department, Mankato Police Department, and Mayo Ambulance Service all responded to the scene.
The injured child, a passenger in the Honda Pilot, was transported to Mayo Clinic Health System Mankato for further evaluation and care. Fortunately, the other occupants—including three additional passengers and the driver of the Honda—reported no injuries. The driver of the Volkswagen also did not report any injuries, and airbags were deployed in both vehicles at the time of impact.
Road conditions were dry, and authorities have confirmed that alcohol was not a factor. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Our thoughts are with the young child and their family during recovery.
Left-Turn Collisions and Child Injuries in Minnesota
The collision at Highway 22 and Basset Drive highlights a critical safety concern in Minnesota: left-turn crashes at high-speed intersections and their impact on vulnerable vehicle occupants, particularly children. In this incident, despite the proper use of safety restraints and airbag deployment, a 4-year-old was still injured—an outcome that underscores the unpredictable nature of intersection collisions.
Left-turn crashes frequently occur when oncoming traffic is misjudged, or drivers attempt to make turns without sufficient clearance. Even cautious drivers can be caught in dangerous situations if gaps in traffic are misread, especially along divided highways like Highway 22, where speeds can be higher and reaction time is limited.
In Minnesota, children make up a significant portion of non-fatal injury cases in vehicle accidents. While car seats and boosters greatly reduce risk, a side-impact or angular collision can still cause injuries depending on the point of impact and vehicle size. In this case, the Honda Pilot carried several passengers, including young children, further amplifying the importance of proper child passenger safety.
Local and state agencies have invested in public education around safe driving practices and seatbelt compliance, but this crash also raises questions about whether further intersection safety measures—like protected turn signals or enhanced signage—could prevent similar incidents.
For families impacted by such accidents, the road to recovery involves more than immediate medical care. Emotional trauma, especially for children, may surface later and require long-term support. Parents may also face financial strain due to medical costs and time away from work. Accessing the right resources early is crucial.
Mankato and the broader Blue Earth County area offer child-focused trauma services, injury recovery programs, and legal support to help families manage the aftermath of crashes like this one.
If your child has been injured in a collision, even if the injuries appear minor, it’s vital to monitor their condition closely, seek proper care, and understand your legal options to support their ongoing well-being.
When your child is hurt in an accident, every moment counts. At Local Accident Reports, we help families navigate the aftermath of crashes by connecting them with trusted medical professionals, legal resources, and recovery support. Whether your needs are immediate or long-term, our team is here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.
