Milaca Township, MN (March 25, 2025) – An afternoon crash involving two vehicles on Highway 169 resulted in injuries to one passenger on Sunday. The incident occurred at approximately 3:16 p.m. in Milaca Township near the intersection of Hwy 169 and Central Ave, prompting response from Mille Lacs County authorities, Milaca Fire, and North Memorial Ambulance.
First responders, including paramedics, assessed and treated individuals hurt in the crash. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a southbound 2025 Kia Sportage collided with a northbound 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan as the Caravan was slowing to turn westbound onto Central Ave. The collision forced both vehicles off the road into a southwest ditch.
Judy May Anderson, an 83-year-old passenger in the Kia Sportage from Aitkin, MN, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Princeton Hospital for treatment. The drivers of both vehicles, as well as two other passengers in the Kia, were not injured. All individuals were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash, and no alcohol involvement was reported.
The roadway was dry at the time of the collision. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash.
Our thoughts are with Judy May Anderson, and we hope for her full and speedy recovery.
Two-Vehicle Collisions in Mille Lacs County
Two-vehicle crashes remain one of the most frequent causes of roadway injuries across Minnesota, particularly on rural highways like Hwy 169. Although this route is a major connector through Mille Lacs County, its intersections with smaller township roads such as Central Ave can pose dangers due to mixed-speed traffic and turning vehicles.
In this case, the collision appears to have occurred as one vehicle was slowing to make a turn while another was continuing through at highway speed. Such scenarios are common causes of rear-end and side-impact crashes, especially in rural areas where turning lanes may be limited and visibility affected by terrain.
According to Minnesota Department of Public Safety statistics, older adults remain more vulnerable to injury in car crashes, even with seat belts and airbags in use. While many drivers walk away unscathed, passengers—especially seniors—can experience more significant health outcomes from the same impact.
Motorists in Mille Lacs County are encouraged to reduce speed when approaching intersections and watch for turning vehicles. Awareness and caution can help prevent similar accidents, especially in areas with limited road infrastructure. If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.
