Four killed in head‑on crash near Mille Lacs
The Minnesota State Patrol says four people were killed and another critically injured just before 7 p.m. Wednesday in a head‑on collision on Highway 169 near Shakopee Lake Road in Kathio Township, along the southwest shore of Mille Lacs Lake. Investigators report a northbound Buick LeSabre driven by a 21‑year‑old woman from Isle crossed the center line and struck a southbound vehicle driven by a 53‑year‑old Minneapolis woman, who was carrying three passengers: a 51‑year‑old Minneapolis man, a 41‑year‑old Onamia man, and a 25‑year‑old Onamia woman. At least one occupant was not wearing a seat belt, roads were dry, and troopers have not yet said why the Buick crossed into oncoming traffic. Identities and which occupants died versus survived in critical condition have not been released as the State Patrol investigates. The crash contributes to a 2026 tally of at least 33 traffic deaths statewide so far, keeping road safety in the spotlight for metro residents who routinely travel Highway 169 to and from lake country.
📌 Key Facts
- Crash occurred just before 7 p.m. Feb. 26, 2026, on Highway 169 near Shakopee Lake Road by Mille Lacs Lake
- Northbound 21‑year‑old Isle woman’s Buick LeSabre crossed the center line and hit a southbound vehicle driven by a 53‑year‑old Minneapolis woman
- Four people died and one suffered life‑threatening injuries; at least one person was not wearing a seat belt and road conditions were dry
📊 Relevant Data
American Indian and Alaska Native people in the United States have a motor vehicle crash fatality rate of 24.75 per 100,000 population, which is 2.11 times higher than the rate for White people (10.92 per 100,000) as of 2018.
Evaluating Disparities in Traffic Fatalities by Race, Ethnicity, and Income — Lindsey Research Group
Among American Indian and Alaska Native driver fatalities in traffic crashes, 45% had blood alcohol concentrations of 0.08 g/dL or higher in 2018, the highest among racial and ethnic groups.
Evaluating Disparities in Traffic Fatalities by Race, Ethnicity, and Income — Lindsey Research Group
Only about one-third of American Indian and Alaska Native passenger vehicle occupant fatalities were using restraint systems in 2018, compared to 55% for White occupants.
Evaluating Disparities in Traffic Fatalities by Race, Ethnicity, and Income — Lindsey Research Group
Indigenous people make up approximately 0.9% of Minnesota's population but were involved in 3.5% of fatal vehicle crashes between 2015 and 2019.
Race and Transportation Trend Analysis — Minnesota GO
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