Head-on crash in Chisago County kills 2, seriously injures another

SHAFER TOWNSHIP, Minn. (FOX 9) - A head-on crash in eastern Minnesota left two people dead and another with life-threatening injuries on Monday. 

Fatal crash in Shafer Township 

What we know: The collision happened Monday afternoon in Shafer Township, just outside of Taylor Falls near the border of Wisconsin. 

According to the Minnesota State Patrol’s crash report, a driver was heading east on Highway 8 and crossed over the center line, hitting another vehicle head on. The driver, a 59-year-old man from Amery, Wisconsin, was transported to the hospital, but later died from his injuries.

The other vehicle’s driver, a 55-year-old woman from Minneapolis, sustained life-threatening injuries. Her passenger, a 61-year-old woman also from Minneapolis, died as a result of the collision.

What we don’t know: The crash report did not specify why the driver crossed the center line, but noted the road conditions were wet at the time of the crash. Alcohol is not considered to be a factor. 

The big picture: There have been at least 458 traffic-related fatalities so far in 2024, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.