STANTON TWP, Goodhue County, Minn., Sept. 28, 2026 — Two people were hurt in a two-vehicle crash on Saturday morning, September 26, at the intersection of Minnesota Highway 56 and Sciota Trail. A passenger bus driver was taken to a hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
The crash happened just before 10 a.m. when a 2009 Chevrolet Suburban was crossing Highway 56 from east to west at Sciota Trail and collided with a 2024 Dodge passenger bus traveling on the highway, the state report said. The road surface was reported to be dry at the time.
The bus driver, a 39-year-old woman from Saint Paul, was taken to Regions Hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening. The Suburban's driver, a 64-year-old man from Cannon Falls, was reported to be uninjured. Names of those involved were released by the state.
Cannon Falls Police, the Goodhue County Sheriff's Office, Cannon Falls Ambulance, and Randolph Fire Department responded to the scene. The state report notes the information gathered so far is believed to be complete, though any additional findings from the investigation have not been released.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
Why a Crash Between a Bus and an SUV Can Cause Such Different Damage
When two vehicles of very different sizes and weights collide at an intersection, the outcome often comes down to physics more than fault. A loaded passenger bus can weigh several times what a mid-size SUV weighs, so in a collision, the smaller vehicle absorbs a much larger share of the force. The heavier vehicle's occupants may feel a jolt, while the lighter vehicle's frame and doors take the brunt of the impact.
Crossing-path crashes like the one at Highway 56 and Sciota Trail also depend heavily on closing speed, meaning how fast the two vehicles are approaching each other at the moment of impact, not just how fast either one is traveling alone. Wet or icy pavement can extend stopping distance and reduce a driver's ability to brake or steer away in time, though authorities noted the road was dry in this case. Visibility, sightlines at rural intersections, and the time a driver has to react all factor into whether a crossing vehicle clears the roadway safely.
Safety equipment, such as seat belts and airbags, is designed to manage forces within a certain range. It can reduce the severity of an impact but cannot fully offset the differences in weight and speed between a large bus and a smaller passenger vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, passenger vehicles made up 92 percent of registered vehicles and 89 percent of vehicle miles traveled in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do right after a car accident?
Stay at the scene, check for anyone hurt, call 911, and move to a safe area if the vehicles are drivable. Exchange information with the other driver and get contact details for any witnesses.
Where do most traffic accidents happen?
Intersections are common sites for crashes involving crossing or turning vehicles, since paths overlap and drivers must judge the timing and speed of oncoming traffic.
What can drivers do to lower their crash risk at intersections?
Slowing down before reaching an intersection, checking both directions even when you have the right of way, and avoiding distractions can give a driver more time to react to another vehicle.
What injuries are common in intersection crashes?
Depending on the angle and speed of impact, common injuries include whiplash, bruising from seat belts, and injuries to the head or chest from contact with the interior of the vehicle.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Stanton Twp, Minnesota
If you're involved in a crash in this part of Minnesota, get to a safe spot away from traffic and call for medical help if anyone feels pain, even if it seems minor. Some injuries, particularly to the neck or back, don't show symptoms right away. Follow up with a doctor within a day or two if anything feels off.
Take photos of the vehicles and the intersection if it's safe to do so, and get the names of any responding officers or agencies. Keep copies of any medical records and the state crash report once it becomes available, since these can matter later for insurance claims.
