SAINT CHARLES, Winona County, Minn., Oct. 28, 2026 — One person was hurt Tuesday morning, October 27, in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 14 east of Highway 74 in Saint Charles. The Minnesota State Patrol said a car and a pickup collided in the eastbound lane.
According to the state patrol, a 2013 Nissan Altima was headed east on Highway 14 when a 2012 Dodge Ram, turning onto westbound Highway 14, collided with it in the eastbound lane. The crash was reported at 8:56 a.m. The road surface was listed as dry.
The Altima's driver, a 22-year-old Saint Charles woman, suffered injuries described as non-life threatening and was taken to Mayo Clinic Health System in Rochester. The Dodge Ram's driver, a 79-year-old Saint Charles man, was not reported injured. Both drivers were wearing seat belts, the report indicates.
The Winona County Sheriff's Office, Saint Charles Police and Saint Charles Fire all responded to the scene. The state patrol's report notes the information gathered is believed complete, though the circumstances that led to the collision remain under review.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
More on Crashes in SAINT CHARLES, MN
This crash happened at Highway 14 and Highway 74 in Saint Charles, Minnesota. We cover crashes across Winona County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Winona County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes crashes like this one, where a vehicle is turning across traffic?
Collisions at turns or intersections often come down to a driver misjudging the gap or speed of oncoming traffic, limited visibility, or simply not seeing the other vehicle in time. Investigators generally look at sightlines, signal use, and each driver's speed when sorting out what happened.
Does speed make a difference in how serious a crash turns out to be?
Yes. Higher speed means more distance needed to stop or react, and it increases the force involved in any impact. Even modest increases in speed can turn a minor collision into one with serious injuries.
How much does distracted driving factor into crashes like this?
A moment spent looking at a phone, dashboard, or passenger is often enough to miss a turning vehicle or a closing gap in traffic. Distraction removes the small window a driver needs to react before a collision happens.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Saint Charles, MN
If you're involved in a crash, start by checking yourself and others for injuries and calling 911 if anyone needs medical attention. Try to move to a safe spot off the roadway if the vehicles are drivable and it's safe to do so. Even if you feel fine, it's worth getting checked by a medical professional, since some injuries, especially from impacts to the head or neck, don't show symptoms right away.
Make sure to exchange information with the other driver and wait for law enforcement to arrive and document the scene. Photos of the vehicles, the road, and any visible damage can help later, as can the names of any witnesses. Saint Charles residents dealing with the aftermath of a crash should also follow up with their insurance company promptly and keep records of any medical visits related to the collision.
