Todd County, MN (August 18, 2026) – A Ford F-250 and a Freightliner semi collided on Monday morning on Highway 27 at County Road 29 in Long Prairie Township, Todd County.
Both vehicles were traveling eastbound on Highway 27 when they collided. The roadway was dry at the time.
The Ford driver, 62-year-old Anastasia Helen Kotsakis of Browerville, was wearing a seat belt and suffered non-life-threatening injuries. She was taken to CentraCare Long Prairie for treatment.
The Freightliner driver, 59-year-old Brian Lawrence Legois of Green Bay, Wisconsin, was also wearing a seat belt and reported no injuries. Alcohol was not suspected for either driver.
The collision remains under investigation as investigators review the circumstances.
We hope Kotsakis makes a smooth recovery from her injuries.
What Should Drivers Know About Crashes Involving Semi-Trucks?
Crashes involving large commercial trucks can cause serious injuries due to differences in vehicle size, weight, and braking distances. A loaded semi generally requires more distance to slow or stop than a passenger vehicle.
Drivers sharing the road with trucks should maintain extra following distance and avoid staying in areas where the truck driver may have limited visibility. Large trucks also need more room to turn and may require additional space when changing lanes.
Seat belt use remains important for everyone in a vehicle, regardless of its size. Proper restraint can help reduce movement inside the passenger compartment during a collision.
Road conditions, traffic flow, vehicle speed, and driver actions can all affect how a two-vehicle collision develops.
