UTICA, Winona County, Minn., Oct. 18, 2026 — One person was hurt on Friday morning, October 16, when three vehicles collided on Highway 14 near milepost 240 in Utica.
A Ford Focus and a Kenworth straight truck were headed eastbound on Highway 14 when a westbound Freightliner semi collided with them, the report said. The crash was reported at 8:31 a.m. on a wet roadway.
The Ford Focus driver, a 24-year-old man from Paynesville, Minnesota, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Saint Mary's Hospital. The driver of the Kenworth and a passenger in the truck, both of Lewiston, Minnesota, were not injured. The Freightliner's driver, a 75-year-old man from Buffalo City, Wisconsin, was also not hurt.
The Winona County Sheriff's Office and Lewiston Fire & EMS responded to the scene. Investigators have listed the information on the crash as believed complete, though the cause has not been detailed in the public record.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
More on Crashes in UTICA, MN
This crash happened on Highway 14 in UTICA, MN. We cover crashes across Winona County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Winona County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is distracted driving a factor in so many crashes?
Even a few seconds of taking eyes off the road can mean traveling the length of a football field without looking, especially at highway speeds, leaving little time to react to sudden hazards.
How do wet roads or poor weather contribute to crashes like this one?
Wet pavement cuts tire traction, extends stopping distances, and makes it easier for a vehicle to slide out of its lane, all of which raise the risk of a head-on or multi-vehicle collision on a highway.
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Move to a safe spot if possible, call 911, check on others involved, and exchange information with other drivers. Even if injuries seem minor, it's wise to get checked by a medical provider soon after.
Where do most serious traffic crashes happen?
A large share occur on rural highways, where higher speeds and head-on or cross-traffic collisions tend to cause more serious injuries than crashes on lower-speed city streets.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Utica, Minnesota
If you're involved in a crash on a rural highway like those around Utica, start by checking yourself and any passengers for injuries, then move to a safe location away from traffic if you're able. Call 911 to report the crash and request medical help, even for injuries that seem minor at first, since some symptoms take hours to appear. Stay put until law enforcement arrives and get a copy of the incident number for your records. Once you're home, follow up with a doctor if you felt any pain, stiffness, or disorientation, and keep track of medical visits and any time missed from work in case you need them later.
