Shingobee Township, MN (July 11, 2026) – Officials reported that an 81-year-old woman and a 12-year-old child were injured in a head-on crash on Thursday afternoon at the intersection of Highway 371 and County Road 38 in Cass County. The collision happened around 2:43 p.m. on July 9 in Shingobee Township.
A Toyota Venza was traveling north on Highway 371 and attempted to turn onto County Road 38 when it failed to yield to a southbound Ram 1500, according to the incident report. The two vehicles then collided head-on. The Toyota driver, Suzanne Marie Erion of Laporte, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken for treatment at Sanford – Bemidji. Her passenger, 12-year-old Cheyton James Ryckman, also suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Centra Care – St. Cloud.
The Ram 1500 driver, 44-year-old Joshua John Mailhot, was not injured. Both vehicles had airbag deployment. Authorities continue to review the circumstances surrounding the incident, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Our thoughts are with everyone impacted.
How Turn-Related Crashes Happen at Rural Intersections
Turn-related crashes can occur when drivers misjudge the speed or distance of approaching vehicles. Rural intersections may have higher travel speeds, limited visibility, or fewer traffic controls, making turning decisions more challenging. Crash reviews may look at vehicle paths, roadway design, weather conditions, and driver actions.
Seat belt use and vehicle safety features can also affect injury outcomes during a collision. Understanding the common causes of these crashes can help explain why head-on collisions occur and why careful attention is needed when entering or crossing active roadways.
