Pine County, MN (June 23, 2026) – Two people suffered injuries on Sunday afternoon in a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Hwy 23 and Interstate 35 in Mission Creek Township.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 1:54 p.m. on June 21. Investigators reported that a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan was turning eastbound onto Hwy 23 from southbound I-35 when it collided with an eastbound 2014 Chevrolet Impala.
Authorities identified the driver of the Dodge as 54-year-old Silverio De La Ossa Alvarez of Saint Louis Park. He was not injured in the collision.
The Chevrolet was driven by 79-year-old Wanda Marie Rakow of Nicollet. She sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Essentia Health in Sandstone for treatment. Her passenger, 80-year-old Donn Edward Rakow, also of Nicollet, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Emergency responders from the Pine County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Hinckley Fire Department, and Essentia Ambulance assisted at the scene. Authorities reported that roadway conditions were dry at the time of the crash. The collision remains under investigation.
We wish those injured a full and speedy recovery.
Why Turning Collisions at Intersections May End in Injuries?
Crashes involving turning vehicles occur when drivers attempt to enter or cross a roadway while other traffic is approaching. Intersections can be particularly challenging because motorists must judge traffic speed, distance, and available gaps before completing a turn.
Even at relatively moderate speeds, intersection collisions can result in injuries due to the angle of impact and the forces transferred between vehicles. Safety equipment such as seat belts and airbags can help reduce injury severity, but occupants may still require medical evaluation following a crash.
Investigators reviewing intersection accidents typically examine vehicle positions, driver statements, roadway evidence, and traffic patterns to determine how the collision occurred. These findings help establish the sequence of events and identify any contributing factors.
