Vermilion Lake Township, MN (January 4, 2026) – A crash involving a school bus and a passenger vehicle left one woman injured on Saturday evening in St. Louis County. The collision occurred around 5:27 p.m. on January 3 at the intersection of Highway 169 and Highway 1, according to Minnesota State Patrol reports.
Authorities said a school bus towing a trailer was traveling southbound on Hwy 169 when it collided with a 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. The driver of the Grand Prix, identified as 28-year-old Jessie Ann Hinkel of Soudan, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to the Essentia Emergency Room for evaluation. She was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, and no alcohol use was reported.
The driver of the school bus, 74-year-old Doyle Henry James of Baudette, was not injured. No other passengers were reported on the bus, and airbag deployment was not noted in either vehicle.
Tower EMS responded to the scene, and the crash remains under investigation by state authorities.
We extend our wishes for a swift recovery to Ms. Hinkel and are grateful that no additional injuries were reported.
School Bus Accidents in Minnesota
Crashes involving school buses are particularly concerning due to the potential for high occupancy and large vehicle size. Even when no passengers are onboard, the weight and structure of a bus can cause significant damage during a collision. Saturday’s crash at Hwy 169 and Hwy 1 is a reminder that extra caution is required when sharing the road with larger vehicles, especially at intersections in rural townships like Vermilion Lake.
Fortunately, the driver of the passenger vehicle in this case was properly restrained and survived with non-life-threatening injuries. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, seatbelt use remains one of the most effective ways to reduce injury severity in crashes involving heavy vehicles.
Collisions at rural intersections can occur due to limited visibility, unclear right-of-way, or weather-related hazards. For crash victims, recovery may include medical expenses, vehicle loss, missed work, and navigating complex insurance procedures.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a school bus or commercial vehicle, Local Accident Reports can help connect you with the resources and support needed to move forward.
When serious collisions happen, trusted information and compassionate support are vital. Local Accident Reports provides Minnesota crash victims with the guidance and tools they need to recover with confidence. Let us help you take the next step today.
