WADENA COUNTY, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — Three people were injured Thursday morning when a semi-truck and pickup collided on Highway 71 near Wadena.
The crash occurred October 29, 2026, around 9:33 a.m. in Wadena Township, south of County Road 104.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, all three people suffered injuries classified as non-life-threatening.
Semi and Pickup Collide on Highway 71
The collision involved a 1996 International semi-truck and a 2020 Ford F-150 pickup.
State Patrol investigators reported the semi was traveling northbound on Highway 71.
The Ford F-150 was traveling southbound when the vehicles collided south of County Road 104.
The roadway was dry when the crash occurred.
Authorities have not released a final determination of what caused the collision.
The available report also does not identify either driver as responsible for the crash.
Three People Identified Following Wadena Crash
The Minnesota State Patrol identified the semi-truck driver as Louis Joseph Schaefer, 34, of Cold Spring, Minnesota.
Schaefer suffered non-life-threatening injuries but was not listed as transported to a hospital.
The report indicates Schaefer was not wearing a seat belt.
The Ford F-150 driver was identified as Joann Mary Norris, 57, of Long Prairie, Minnesota.
Norris suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to CentraCare in St. Cloud for treatment.
The pickup’s passenger was identified as Eric Matthew Denny, 37, of Mahnomen, Minnesota.
Denny also suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Astera Hospital.
Both Norris and Denny were wearing seat belts when the collision occurred, according to the State Patrol.
Airbags Deploy in Pickup During Collision
The State Patrol reported that airbags deployed in the Ford F-150.
No airbag deployment was listed for the International semi-truck.
Investigators also reported that alcohol was not suspected as a factor for either driver or the passenger.
The crash report does not provide additional details about how the vehicles came into contact.
Multiple Emergency Agencies Respond
Several emergency agencies responded to the Highway 71 collision.
Responding agencies included the Wadena County Sheriff’s Office, Wadena Police Department, and Wadena Fire Department.
Astera Health, Bertha Ambulance, and Life Link also assisted with the emergency response.
Emergency personnel provided assistance while authorities investigated the collision.
Motorists can check Minnesota 511 for current highway conditions and traffic restrictions.
Minnesota State Patrol Crash Information
The State Patrol identifies the collision under incident number 26901790.
The incident is assigned to the State Patrol’s Detroit Lakes district.
The supplied report was last updated October 29, 2026, at 3:03 p.m.
It does not identify any citations or establish whether charges will follow.
Additional details may be available through the Minnesota State Patrol crash updates.
The collision was also covered by KFGO News.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.
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