5 Killed in Crash Involving Passenger Van in Minnesota

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A head-on collision between a passenger van and an SUV in rural Cottonwood County, Minnesota resulted in the deaths of five people on Friday. The van was carrying 13 passengers when it crashed into the northbound SUV on Highway 71, killing the SUV driver and four van passengers. Two other van passengers suffered life-threatening injuries, while seven more had non-life-threatening injuries, including the van driver.

Why it matters

This tragic accident highlights the dangers of rural highways and the risks posed by overcrowded passenger vehicles. It also raises questions about vehicle safety standards and the need for improved road infrastructure and driver education, especially in sparsely populated areas.

The details

According to authorities, the passenger van was traveling southbound on Highway 71 when it collided head-on with the northbound SUV. The force of the impact killed the SUV driver and four van passengers. Two other van passengers were airlifted to a hospital in Sioux Falls with life-threatening injuries, while seven more were taken to local hospitals with less severe injuries.

• The crash occurred on Friday, March 22, 2026.

What’s next

Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash and will likely review vehicle safety records, driver histories, and road conditions to determine if any factors contributed to the deadly incident.