Union Twp, MN (June 30, 2025) – First responders, including paramedics, assessed and treated individuals hurt in a two-vehicle collision that occurred on Sunday night on Highway 44 near County Rd 20 in Union Township, Houston County. The crash happened around 10:32 PM and resulted in non-life-threatening injuries to both drivers involved.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a 2021 Buick Encore traveling northbound on Hwy 44 collided with a 2018 Hyundai Elantra heading southbound. The vehicles were impacted near the intersection with County Rd 20 under dry road conditions. Airbags were deployed in both vehicles.
Emergency crews from the Houston County Sheriff’s Office and Hokah Fire Department responded to the scene alongside state troopers. The drivers—70-year-old Anne Lee and 38-year-old Kayla Rose Connor, both from Caledonia, MN—were transported to the Mayo Clinic Health System with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Authorities confirmed that both women were wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision.
Alcohol use was noted for both drivers, though further details regarding impairment or pending charges have not been released. The crash remains under investigation by local law enforcement.
Our thoughts are with those affected by this accident, and we wish both individuals a full recovery.
Alcohol-Related Collisions in Minnesota: Ongoing Public Safety Concern
Minnesota has seen steady efforts to reduce alcohol-related crashes, yet they remain a critical public safety issue, especially on rural highways like Hwy 44 in Houston County. Late-night collisions involving impaired drivers continue to place road users at significant risk, despite widespread awareness campaigns and strict DUI enforcement.
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, alcohol plays a role in roughly one-third of all traffic fatalities in the state. Even in non-fatal collisions, impairment can significantly increase the likelihood of severe injury due to slower reaction times and poor decision-making.
The crash involving two Caledonia residents on Hwy 44 illustrates how quickly impaired driving can endanger lives. While both drivers survived and were fortunate to avoid critical injuries, the incident adds to Minnesota’s rising total of alcohol-involved accidents for 2025.
Legal consequences for driving under the influence in Minnesota include heavy fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Moreover, victims of impaired-driving collisions may pursue compensation for injuries, medical costs, and emotional trauma.
Preventing future crashes requires a continued commitment to sober driving, public education, and personal responsibility. Choosing alternative transportation or designated drivers is essential for safeguarding both individual and public safety.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.
