Owatonna, MN (March 2, 2026) – A 19-year-old man from Rochester was injured Sunday afternoon, March 1, in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 14 west of Owatonna.
The crash occurred around 1:54 p.m. near the 72nd Avenue overpass. A 2018 Hyundai Sonata traveling east crossed the center median and collided with a westbound 2011 Toyota Prius.
The Hyundai driver was taken to Mayo Clinic Hospital-Saint Mary’s with non-life-threatening injuries. The Prius driver, a 22-year-old man, was not injured. A passenger in the Prius, a 24-year-old woman, sustained minor injuries but was not transported to a hospital.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Steele County Sheriff’s Office, Waseca County Sheriff’s Office, Waseca Police Department, Owatonna Fire Department, and Mayo Clinic Ambulance. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as they become available.
Our thoughts are with those affected as they recover from their injuries.
How Median Crossings Can Cause Serious Collisions
Crashes involving vehicles crossing the median are particularly dangerous because they place cars directly in the path of oncoming traffic. Head-on collisions often result in significant force being applied to both vehicles, which increases the likelihood of injuries.
Factors like driver distraction, sudden lane changes, and speed can all contribute to a vehicle leaving its lane. Vehicle safety features, such as seat belts, airbags, and crumple zones, help reduce injury risk, but high-speed impacts remain hazardous.
Roadway design, including the width of medians and visibility of traffic lanes, also affects how easily drivers can maintain control. Even minor deviations from the lane can lead to severe outcomes in high-traffic areas.
