Medford Twp, MN (September 4, 2025) – An accident involving injuries was reported Thursday morning on northbound Interstate 35 near milepost 49 in Medford Township, Steele County. The crash involved a 2009 Lexus LS460 and a 2011 Honda Pilot, both traveling northbound when they collided under dry road conditions.
Emergency responders, including Mayo Ambulance and deputies from the Steele County Sheriff’s Office, arrived at the scene shortly after 9:14 a.m. to provide assistance. Two individuals from the Honda Pilot sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to Owatonna Hospital for further evaluation and care.
The driver of the Lexus LS460, identified as 19-year-old Humberto Penaloza Molina of Minneapolis, was not injured and declined transport. The driver of the Honda Pilot, 41-year-old Seth Eric Leavstrom of Owatonna, sustained non-life-threatening injuries, along with his passenger, 49-year-old Aron Ray Leavstrom, also from Owatonna. Both were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash, and no alcohol was involved.
Authorities remained on the scene to assist with traffic and document the circumstances of the incident. The crash remains under investigation by the Minnesota State Patrol.
Our thoughts are with the Leavstrom family as they recover from this accident.
Interstate Collisions in Minnesota
Interstate accidents like the one on I-35 near Medford Twp often occur during routine travel and can lead to sudden disruptions and serious injuries. This stretch of highway, frequently traveled by both local commuters and long-distance drivers, is especially vulnerable to rear-end and side-impact crashes due to high speeds and merging traffic.
Thursday’s collision between a Lexus and a Honda Pilot highlights how quickly a routine drive can turn dangerous—even under clear weather and dry road conditions. The involvement of multiple people and the need for hospital transport underscore the severity of such events, even when airbags don’t deploy.
Non-life-threatening injuries can still have a major impact on individuals and families, requiring medical treatment, time off work, and follow-up care. Victims may experience physical pain, emotional distress, and financial burdens in the aftermath. Prompt emergency response and access to hospital care, as seen in this case with transport to Owatonna Hospital, can make a significant difference in recovery outcomes.
Drivers are urged to maintain safe distances, stay attentive behind the wheel, and be prepared for sudden changes in traffic—especially on major highways like I-35. Minnesota authorities continue to stress the importance of defensive driving practices and routine vehicle checks to help reduce the risk of injury collisions on state roads.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in an interstate accident in Minnesota, it’s important to take steps to protect your well-being and understand your options.
At Local Accident Reports, we’re here to support individuals impacted by highway crashes. We help connect you with trusted recovery resources, medical professionals, and helpful next steps to guide your journey. Contact us today to get the assistance you need after a serious accident.
