Bemidji, MN (September 4, 2026) – Three people were injured, including one with life-threatening injuries, after a two-vehicle crash on Wednesday, September 2, on the County Road 50 ramp to eastbound Highway 2 in Bemidji Township, Beltrami County.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a 2022 Subaru Forester and a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan were traveling southbound on County Road 50. The Dodge Caravan was merging onto eastbound Highway 2 when it collided with the parked Subaru Forester.
The Subaru’s driver, 67-year-old Elaine Cory Bangs of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to Sanford Medical Center Fargo. Her passenger, 39-year-old Krista Rose Bangs, also of Cedar Rapids, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Sanford Medical Center Bemidji.
The Dodge Caravan was driven by 60-year-old Steven Leroy Heller of Bemidji. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries. All three people were wearing seat belts, and airbags deployed in both vehicles.
The road was dry at the time of the crash. Bemidji-area emergency services, Beltrami County agencies, North Memorial Air Care, and Leech Lake Ambulance assisted at the scene.
We wish all the victims could make a full recovery.
What Should Drivers Know About Merging Near Highway Ramps?
Merging areas near highway ramps can create challenging driving conditions because vehicles entering the highway must adjust their speed and position while monitoring traffic already on the main roadway. Drivers should check their mirrors and blind spots carefully before changing lanes or entering a merge area. Maintaining an appropriate speed can also give drivers more time to respond to vehicles that are stopped or moving unexpectedly.
Parked or disabled vehicles near ramps and shoulders can present an additional hazard, particularly when visibility is limited or traffic is moving at highway speeds. Drivers approaching these areas should remain alert for vehicles that may be stopped outside normal travel lanes. If a lane change is necessary, it is important to signal early and make sure the intended lane is clear before moving over.
Seat belts remain an important safety measure in crashes because they help keep occupants properly positioned and can reduce the risk of serious injury. Airbags are designed to work together with seat belts rather than replace them. Drivers and passengers should use their seat belts on every trip, including short drives and travel on local roads.
