Pequot Lakes, MN (September 18, 2024) – A serious two-vehicle crash in Crow Wing County left three people injured—one critically—Wednesday afternoon at the intersection of Highway 371 and County Road 107, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
Emergency responders from Pequot Lakes Police and Fire Departments, along with North Memorial Ambulance and MNDOT crews, arrived on scene shortly after 3:09 p.m. to provide aid. The crash involved a 2009 Honda Fit and a 2010 GMC Terrain.
According to investigators, the Honda Fit was traveling northbound on Hwy 371 and attempting to turn left onto Patriot Ave when it turned in front of the oncoming GMC Terrain, which was headed southbound. Both vehicles sustained significant damage, and airbags were deployed in each.
Three individuals were reported injured in the collision. The driver of the Honda Fit, 91-year-old John Kaliher Thoele of Nisswa, was transported to St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd with non-life-threatening injuries. The GMC was driven by a 16-year-old male who was not hospitalized but had a 68-year-old passenger, Monika Lynne Hamlin of Pine River, who also suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the same facility.
Tragically, a second passenger in the GMC, 89-year-old Beverly Louise Mink of Roseburg, OR, was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and sustained life-threatening injuries. She was airlifted to St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth for specialized care.
Authorities confirmed that alcohol was not a factor in the crash. The investigation is ongoing.
We extend our deepest hopes for recovery to all those involved, especially Beverly Louise Mink as she receives critical care.
Intersection Crashes in Minnesota
Serious accidents at intersections like Hwy 371 and County Rd 107 remain a persistent issue throughout Minnesota, especially in areas where major highways intersect with local roads. In this case, a left-turn maneuver in front of oncoming traffic resulted in a high-impact collision that injured three people, including one critically.
The crash underscores several key safety concerns: driver awareness, appropriate yielding at intersections, and the critical role seat belts play in survivability. Despite both vehicles having functioning airbags, the most severely injured party—an 89-year-old passenger—was not restrained. This serves as a stark reminder of how seat belt usage can make a life-or-death difference in major crashes.
Highway 371 in Crow Wing County is a busy corridor for both local and through traffic, and intersections along this stretch are frequently flagged for safety enhancements. While the road was reported to be dry and conditions were clear, visibility, age-related reflex delays, and judgment while turning are all factors being considered in the investigation.
Emergency crews from Pequot Lakes and North Memorial Ambulance provided rapid response, helping to stabilize injured victims and clear the scene. Their coordinated effort ensured timely medical transport, which may prove vital, especially for the most critically injured passenger.
If you or someone close to you has been involved in a crash like this, it’s essential to have access to clear, accurate information and the resources necessary to navigate medical and legal concerns. Injuries in such crashes—especially for elderly victims—can lead to extensive recovery timelines and long-term care needs.
At Local Accident Reports, we are committed to helping victims and families get the updates, clarity, and support they need during difficult times. If you’ve been injured in a serious crash, reach out to us today for guidance, compassionate reporting, and tools to support your recovery every step of the way.
