Somerset Twp, MN (April 16, 2026) – At least one person died Wednesday night in a two-vehicle crash along Interstate 35 in Somerset Township.
The crash occurred just before 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, at milepost 37. Reports indicate a 2007 Chevrolet Impala and a 2014 Ram 1500 were both traveling northbound when they collided.
Emergency units responded to the scene. Officials confirmed that at least one person died as a result of the crash, while the total number of fatalities has not yet been finalized.
The driver of the Impala was a 40-year-old woman from Owatonna. The driver of the Ram pickup was a 33-year-old man. Their names have not been released.
Officials noted that airbags did not deploy in either vehicle during the impact. Details surrounding what led to the collision have not been provided.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
What Investigators Review in Highway Collision Cases
When a serious crash occurs on a highway, investigators typically begin by examining the final positions of the vehicles. This helps establish how the impact happened and the direction each vehicle was traveling at the time.
Roadway conditions such as lane markings, weather, and visibility are also reviewed. These factors can influence how quickly drivers can react in fast-moving traffic.
Vehicle damage patterns are another key part of early assessments. The location and severity of impact points can help explain how the collision unfolded and how the forces were distributed between the vehicles involved.
Data from vehicle safety systems may also be checked to better understand occupant protection during the crash.
