Kandiyohi Co. Hwy. 12 Crash Leaves Teen Critical
KANDIYOHI COUNTY (trfnews.i234.me) – A head-on crash on Highway 12 in Gennessee Township left an 18-year-old driver with life-threatening injuries Sunday morning.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash occurred at 7:12 a.m. on September 28, 2025. A Ford Focus was traveling westbound on Highway 12 near milepost 85 when it collided with an eastbound Peterbilt semi.
The 18-year-old male driver of the Ford Focus from Willmar was not wearing a seat belt and suffered life-threatening injuries. Authorities confirmed alcohol was involved. He was transported to St. Cloud Hospital by air after being stabilized at the scene.
The driver of the semi was not listed with injuries in the initial crash report.
Emergency crews from the Atwater Fire Department, the Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office, Atwater Ambulance, CentraCare Ambulance, and LifeLink III responded. Road conditions were reported dry at the time.
The incident remains under investigation. Authorities urge drivers to always wear seat belts and avoid drinking and driving. For more information on seat belt safety and impaired driving, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
