St. Charles, MN – Early this morning, a traffic collision on Highway 14 near the Highway 74 intersection resulted in one hospital admission. The State Patrol reported that the crash occurred just before 9 a.m., when a car traveling east on Highway 14 struck a pickup truck turning onto westbound Highway 14.
Drivers and Injuries
The driver of the eastbound car, identified as 22‑year‑old Mariana Arriaga of St. Charles, was transported by ambulance to St. Marys Hospital. Medical personnel determined her injuries to be non‑life‑threatening, and she is expected to recover fully.
The pickup driver, also a St. Charles resident, was identified as 79‑year‑old Wayne Ode. He was not injured in the crash and did not require medical attention.
Police Findings
State Patrol officers who responded to the scene noted that both drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the collision. Their investigation also confirmed that alcohol was not a factor in the incident.
Authorities are continuing to review the circumstances surrounding the crash, including the turning maneuver of the pickup and the speed of the eastbound vehicle. No citations have been issued at this time.
Community Impact
Highway 14 is a major thoroughfare for residents commuting between St. Charles, Rochester, and surrounding communities. The intersection with Highway 74 sees a high volume of traffic, especially during morning rush hours. Motorists are urged to exercise caution, obey posted speed limits, and remain vigilant for turning vehicles.
Local officials remind drivers that seat belt use remains the single most effective safety measure in reducing injury severity. The St. Charles Police Department encourages anyone who witnessed the crash to contact the State Patrol with any additional information.
What to Expect
Traffic on Highway 14 was briefly delayed while emergency responders cleared the scene. The road has since been reopened, but drivers should anticipate possible slowdowns during peak travel times.
Residents seeking updates on the investigation can follow the Minnesota State Patrol’s official channels or contact the St. Charles Police Department directly.
Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.
