BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP, Rice County (trfnews.i234.me) — Two drivers were injured in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 19 in Bridgewater Township.
The crash happened on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The time was about 8:56 a.m. The location was Highway 19 near milepost 173. The road was listed as snow and ice.
What happened
The Minnesota State Patrol reports a 2009 Toyota Camry was traveling eastbound on Highway 19. A 2012 Ford Escape was traveling westbound. The two vehicles collided.
The report lists injuries for both drivers. The injuries were described as not life-threatening. No alcohol was suspected in the crash.
Drivers identified
The Camry driver was Iqtadar Mahmood, 71, of Prior Lake, Minnesota. Troopers reported he was wearing a seat belt. Airbags deployed in the Camry.
The Escape driver was Matthew Albert Fontes, 30, of Apple Valley, Minnesota. Troopers reported he was not wearing a seat belt. Airbags deployed in the Escape.
Both drivers were taken to Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis. The report lists Hennepin County Medical Center as the care facility.
Agencies that responded
Several agencies assisted at the scene. They included the Rice County Sheriff’s Office. Northfield Police and Fire also responded. You can find city services at the City of Northfield website.
Case number and contacts
- Incident type: Injury.
- State Patrol case number: 26100264.
- State Patrol district: 2100 Rochester.
- Case information line: 507-923-2040.
- Media line: 507-923-2050.
The incident entry lists the information as believed complete. The entry shows a last update time of 10:42 a.m. that day.
Road conditions and safety tips
Drivers can check road conditions on Minnesota 511. MnDOT also shares winter driving tips. These tips focus on speed and stopping distance.
You can also look up incidents on the State Patrol site. Use the case number on the MSP Incident Search page.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.