Renville County: 29-Year-Old Hurt in SUV-Semi Crash

BIRCH COOLEY TOWNSHIP, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A 29-year-old Minnesota man was injured Monday afternoon when an SUV and a semi-truck collided on Highway 71 in Renville County.

The Minnesota State Patrol identified the injured passenger as Christopher Mark Covert, 29, of Finland, Minnesota.

Covert suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Redwood Hospital for medical treatment.

The crash occurred October 26, 2026, at approximately 4:14 p.m. in Birch Cooley Township.

Lexus SUV and Peterbilt Semi Collide on Highway 71

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a 2008 Lexus RX and a 2019 Peterbilt semi were traveling northbound on Highway 71.

The two vehicles collided near the highway address of 69878 Highway 71.

Investigators reported wet road conditions at the time of the crash.

The State Patrol’s initial report does not explain how the vehicles came into contact.

It also does not identify a specific cause of the collision.

Finland Man Injured, Taken to Hospital

The Lexus was driven by Sheila Mae Covert, 56, of Isle, Minnesota.

She was not injured in the collision, according to the State Patrol.

Her passenger, Christopher Mark Covert, 29, of Finland, sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

He was transported to Redwood Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

The State Patrol reported that both Lexus occupants were wearing seat belts.

The vehicle’s airbags did not deploy during the collision.

No additional information about Christopher Covert’s injuries or subsequent condition was provided.

Wisconsin Semi Driver Escapes Injury

The Peterbilt semi was driven by William Albert Sugden, 62, of Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Sugden was not injured, according to the crash report.

He was wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision.

The semi’s airbags did not deploy.

The State Patrol reported no suspected alcohol involvement for either driver or the injured passenger.

Emergency Crews Respond to Renville County Crash

Several emergency agencies assisted at the scene of the Highway 71 collision.

Responding agencies included the Morton Fire Department, CentraCare Ambulance, and the Renville County Sheriff’s Office.

The Minnesota State Patrol’s Marshall District documented the incident.

The collision was recorded under incident number 26302035.

The official report was last updated at approximately 6:25 p.m. on October 26, 2026.

Wet Roads Reported at Crash Scene

The State Patrol classified the incident as an injury crash.

Although roadway conditions were wet, investigators did not specifically identify weather or road conditions as the cause.

The report also does not indicate whether any traffic citations were issued.

All three occupants were wearing seat belts, according to the State Patrol.

No fatalities were reported.

Official Minnesota State Patrol Crash Information

Readers can review the official Minnesota State Patrol crash report for further information.

The State Patrol’s Marshall District can be reached at 507-476-4020 regarding the incident.

Authorities marked the crash information as believed complete.

The reported circumstances do not establish fault or responsibility for the collision.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.