Bertha Township Crash Injures Menahga Passenger

Bertha Township (trfnews.i234.me) — A Menahga man was injured after a car struck two horses Sunday night.

The crash happened at about 9:21 p.m. on September 20, 2026.

It occurred on northbound Highway 71 near mile marker 211 in Todd County.

One vehicle was involved in the crash.

Car Strikes Two Horses on Highway 71

A 2009 Toyota Avalon was traveling north on Highway 71 before the crash.

The vehicle struck two horses near mile marker 211, according to the crash report.

The road surface was dry when the collision happened.

The report did not explain how the horses entered the roadway.

Information about the condition of the horses was not included.

Rachael Elizabeth Pietila, 40, of Menahga, was driving the Toyota Avalon.

Pietila was not reported injured.

She was wearing a seat belt when the crash happened.

Nicholas Jerome Hill, 49, of Menahga, was a passenger in the vehicle.

Hill suffered injuries described as non-life-threatening.

He was taken to Astera Hospital for medical care.

The report said Hill was not wearing a seat belt.

Airbags did not deploy in the Toyota.

Alcohol was not suspected in connection with the driver.

Todd County emergency crews responded to the crash scene.

Bertha Fire and Ambulance also assisted after the collision.

The incident was listed under report number 26901597.

The crash report was last updated at 10:40 p.m. on September 20.

No other vehicles were listed as being involved.

Drivers can check current road conditions through Minnesota 511.

Traffic safety information is available through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

Drivers should stay alert for animals on rural highways, especially after dark.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.