COTTONWOOD TOWNSHIP, MN) — A devastating rear-end collision claimed the lives of two Madelia residents on Tuesday afternoon in Brown County. The crash occurred at approximately 1:45 p.m. at the intersection of southbound Highway 15 and 170th Street in Cottonwood Township. According to the Minnesota State Patrol’s crash report, a Dodge Caravan driven by 75-year-old Ladonna Mae Mikkelson was stopped on Highway 15 due to ongoing road construction. The vehicle was suddenly struck from behind by a Nissan Altima, also traveling southbound on Highway 15. The impact of the collision was severe.
Both Ladonna Mikkelson and her passenger, 83-year-old Charles Keith Mikkelson, also from Madelia, sustained fatal injuries from the crash and were pronounced dead. The tragic loss has sent shockwaves through the small community, as both individuals were well-known and respected members of Madelia.
The Nissan Altima involved in the crash was driven by an 18-year-old woman from Sioux Falls. She was accompanied by two 10-year-old children at the time of the accident. Further details about the driver and the passengers are expected to be released by authorities later Wednesday.
Emergency response to the scene involved multiple agencies working in coordination. The Minnesota State Patrol led the investigation with assistance from the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, New Ulm Fire Department, Allina EMS, Madelia EMS, Mayo 1 AirEMS, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT).
Authorities have indicated that the investigation into the circumstances of the crash is ongoing, with speed, distraction, or other contributing factors yet to be fully determined. The community is urged to drive with caution, especially in areas of road construction where traffic may be stopped or slowed.
This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers present on our roadways and the critical importance of maintaining awareness and patience behind the wheel. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the Mikkelson family, friends, and all affected by this heartbreaking loss.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available from the Minnesota State Patrol and local authorities.
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