Scandia Valley Twp, MN (June 18, 2025) – An injury accident involving a pickup truck and a commercial straight truck occurred Wednesday morning on westbound Highway 10 near 330th St in Scandia Valley Township, Morrison County. The incident took place at approximately 8:19 a.m., drawing a response from multiple emergency agencies including the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office, Mayo Ambulance, and Scandia Valley Fire.First responders, including paramedics, assessed and treated individuals hurt in the crash. One passen...
Scandia Valley Twp, MN (June 18, 2025) – An injury accident involving a pickup truck and a commercial straight truck occurred Wednesday morning on westbound Highway 10 near 330th St in Scandia Valley Township, Morrison County. The incident took place at approximately 8:19 a.m., drawing a response from multiple emergency agencies including the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office, Mayo Ambulance, and Scandia Valley Fire.
First responders, including paramedics, assessed and treated individuals hurt in the crash. One passenger from the pickup truck, identified as 47-year-old Samuel Joseph Yorek of Little Falls, was transported to Lakewood Hospital in Staples with non-life-threatening injuries. Others involved, including both drivers and additional passengers, were evaluated at the scene but did not require hospital transport.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash occurred when a 2002 Dodge Ram pickup towing a trailer was traveling westbound on Hwy 10. A 2023 International straight truck attempted to pass the pickup and struck the rear of the trailer. As a result, both vehicles veered into the right ditch near 330th St. Road conditions were reported as dry at the time of the crash.
Authorities confirmed that alcohol was not a factor in the incident, and all occupants involved were wearing seat belts. The crash remains under investigation by state and local agencies.
Our thoughts are with those affected by this accident.
Truck Passing Risks and Rural Highway Safety in Minnesota
This accident highlights a common hazard on Minnesota’s rural highways—dangerous passing attempts involving larger vehicles. On roads like Hwy 10 in Morrison County, where traffic flow is fast and passing zones are limited, misjudgments can lead to serious collisions. In this case, the rear-end impact from a straight truck trying to pass a trailer-towing pickup caused both vehicles to leave the roadway.
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, rear-end collisions and improper passing maneuvers are significant contributors to rural highway accidents. While highway traffic in greater Minnesota may appear lighter than in urban areas, high speeds and limited shoulder space elevate crash risks.
Side-impact and rear-end crashes, especially those involving trailers, pose unique dangers. Even when injuries are not immediately life-threatening, victims like Mr. Yorek often require hospitalization for evaluation and treatment. In many cases, symptoms can worsen after initial impact, underscoring the need for medical care and thorough documentation.
Those involved in rural highway crashes should preserve evidence, obtain crash reports, and be aware of their rights regarding insurance and recovery. Even seemingly straightforward accidents can involve complex liability and compensation issues.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.
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