Mankato, MN (August 14, 2026) – A 71-year-old woman was injured on Thursday, August 13, in a two-vehicle collision at southbound Highway 22 and Madison Avenue in Blue Earth County. The crash happened at approximately 5:28 p.m.
A 2022 Buick Envision was traveling south on Highway 22 while a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado was heading east on Madison Avenue when the vehicles collided.
The Buick driver, a Northwood, Iowa, woman, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to MCHS Mankato. The 35-year-old Mankato man driving the Chevrolet was not hurt. The collision remains under review.
We hope the injured woman receives attentive care and recovers fully.
Why Can Intersection Crashes Cause Injuries Even Without Airbag Deployment?
A vehicle can still transfer significant force to occupants even when airbags do not deploy. Seat belts, seats, doors, and other interior surfaces may absorb some movement while the body is pushed in different directions.
Airbags are designed to activate only under certain impact conditions. Some side, angled, or lower-force crashes may not trigger them even when an occupant is hurt.
Vehicle speed, contact angle, seating position, restraint use, and where the vehicle is struck can all affect injury severity. Medical evaluation may help identify strains, fractures, concussion, or other trauma that is not immediately obvious.
