Bemidji, MN (June 9, 2026) – A two-vehicle wreck occurred Monday afternoon at the intersection of westbound Hwy 2 and Centerline Rd in Bemidji.
At approximately 4:47 p.m. on June 8, a 2008 Dodge Ram was traveling west on Hwy 2 and attempted a left turn toward southbound Centerline Rd. At the same time, a 2020 Buick Encore was traveling eastbound on Hwy 2 when the vehicles entered the intersection and came together.
The Buick driver, a 78-year-old man from Solway, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Sanford Hospital in Bemidji for treatment. The Dodge Ram driver, a 24-year-old man from Bemidji, was not hurt. Airbags deployed in both vehicles during the impact.
Road conditions were reported as dry at the time of the wreck. The Buick driver was noted to have alcohol involvement as part of the preliminary findings.
Further details about how the vehicles failed to avoid each other were not immediately released.
The investigation remains ongoing as more information is reviewed. We extend our best wishes to the person injured and hope for a steady recovery.
What Factors Can Contribute to Intersection Crashes on Rural Highways?
Intersection crashes on rural highways often occur when drivers misjudge the speed or distance of oncoming traffic while turning or crossing. These junctions can become more complex when vehicles travel at higher speeds and lanes are closely spaced.
Driver attention, visibility, and decision timing all play a role in how safely a turn or crossing maneuver is completed. Even brief lapses in judgment can lead to two vehicles entering the same space at the same time.
Roadway design and traffic flow patterns can also influence risk, especially where left turns require crossing active lanes of travel. In many cases, investigators review vehicle paths, environmental conditions, and driver behavior to better understand how the sequence of events developed.
