STONEHAM TOWNSHIP, MINNESOTA (trfnews.i234.me) — A 42-year-old Litchfield man was injured Monday afternoon when his SUV collided with a semi in Chippewa County.
The crash happened around 2:37 p.m. on November 2, 2026, at Highway 7 and Highway 23 near Clara City.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a Hyundai Tucson and a Peterbilt semi collided at the intersection.
Authorities reported wet road conditions when the accident occurred.
Hyundai and Semi Collide at Highway Intersection
The State Patrol reports a 2025 Hyundai Tucson was traveling northbound on Highway 23.
Meanwhile, a 2025 Peterbilt semi tractor was traveling westbound on Highway 7.
The vehicles made contact as they entered the intersection.
Investigators reported that the Hyundai’s airbags did not deploy during the collision.
However, the semi’s airbags deployed.
Authorities have not explained why the vehicles collided or determined which driver was responsible.
Litchfield Man Injured in Crash
The Hyundai was driven by Cory Joseph Salzl, 42, of Litchfield, Minnesota.
Salzl suffered injuries classified as non-life-threatening by the Minnesota State Patrol.
He was transported to a medical facility in Willmar for treatment.
The State Patrol confirmed Salzl was wearing his seat belt when the crash occurred.
Additional details about his injuries and medical condition were not released.
Semi Driver Escapes Injury
The Peterbilt semi was driven by Justin Ray Gilberts, 46, of Renville, Minnesota.
Gilberts was not injured in the collision and did not require hospital transportation.
Authorities confirmed he was wearing a seat belt.
Alcohol was not suspected for either driver, according to the crash report.
No passengers were listed in either vehicle.
Emergency Crews Respond to Chippewa County Crash
The Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Minnesota State Patrol following the accident.
Clara City Ambulance also responded to provide emergency medical assistance.
Emergency personnel handled the incident at the intersection of the two state highways.
The State Patrol documented the crash under incident number 26302072.
The public report was last updated November 3, 2026, at 4:34 p.m.
The report lists the available information as complete.
Highway Intersection Recently Received Safety Upgrades
The Highway 7 and Highway 23 intersection recently underwent safety improvements by the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
According to MnDOT, construction was completed in October 2026.
The project included new LED stop signs, rumble strips, and changes to improve traffic control.
The intersection was converted to an all-way stop following a safety study.
Authorities have not indicated whether the new intersection design played any role in Monday’s collision.
Crash Remains Documented by State Patrol
Only one person was reported injured in the two-vehicle collision.
No deaths were reported, and the State Patrol did not identify any suspected alcohol involvement.
Readers can review the official Minnesota State Patrol crash report.
Details about the intersection improvements are available through MnDOT’s Highway 7 and Highway 23 project page.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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