Pierz, MN (May 28, 2026) – Three people were injured in a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Highway 25 and 3rd Avenue North in Pierz early Thursday morning. The collision happened at approximately 6:40 a.m. on dry roads.
A 2002 Chevrolet Suburban was heading westbound on 3rd Avenue North when it ran a stop sign and struck a 2025 Toyota RAV4 traveling northbound on Highway 25. After the impact, the Suburban came to rest on the Highway 25 sidewalk, and the RAV4 came to rest inside a liquor store on 3rd Street. Airbags deployed in both vehicles.
The Suburban was driven by Lucas Tyler Nickaboine, 34, of Onamia, MN. His passenger, Matthew Sam Mitchell, 31, also of Onamia, was also in the vehicle: both were hurt but did not require hospital care. The RAV4 was driven by Robert Joseph Matlock, 53, of Pierz, who was taken to St. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls with non-life-threatening injuries. Matlock was not wearing a seat belt; Nickaboine and Mitchell were. Alcohol was not suspected as a factor for any of the drivers.
The wreck is still under review as investigators work to confirm the full sequence of events. We wish all three a steady and full recovery.
What Happens When a Vehicle Runs a Stop Sign at a Highway Intersection
Stop sign violations at highway intersections are a known cause of serious collisions, particularly when one vehicle is traveling at highway speeds and has no warning that a crossing vehicle is not going to stop. The faster a vehicle is moving, the less time either driver has to react, and the greater the force when contact does occur. When a struck vehicle is pushed off its intended path, it can travel a significant distance before coming to rest, sometimes reaching structures or other fixed objects near the roadway. Airbag deployment can reduce the severity of head and chest injuries, but seat belt use remains the single most reliable factor in determining how well occupants fare in high-force collisions of this type.
