Where did the fatal head-on collision on Highway 71 occur?

The head-on collision happened on U.S. Highway 71 near the intersection between Belgrade and Elrosa in Stearns County, Minnesota.

Who were the victims of the Stearns County car crash?

The victims were identified as Linda Shirleen Erickson, 63, of Sauk Centre, and Paul Joseph Matthys, 55, of Osakis.

What were the road conditions during the Highway 71 crash?

Road conditions were reported as dry at the time of the collision, and both drivers were confirmed to be wearing seat belts.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Fatal Head-On Crash Claims Two Lives on Hwy 71

Fatal Head-On Crash Claims Two Lives on Hwy 71

4 Jan

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Summary

Two drivers, Linda Erickson and Paul Matthys, died in the crash.
The head-on collision occurred on U.S. Highway 71 near Belgrade and Elrosa.
Road conditions were dry, and both drivers wore seat belts.

Fatal Head-On Crash Claims Two Lives on Hwy 71

Two individuals lost their lives in a severe head-on collision that took place on U.S. Highway 71 in Stearns County on Friday evening. The Minnesota State Patrol reported that the victims were Linda Shirleen Erickson, aged 63, of Sauk Centre, and Paul Joseph Matthys, aged 55, of Osakis. Both were the sole occupants and drivers of their respective vehicles.

The tragic incident occurred at approximately 5:13 p.m. near the intersection of Highway 71, situated between the communities of Belgrade and Elrosa. Erickson was driving a Kia Sportage southbound, while Matthys operated a Dodge Durango northbound. The two vehicles collided head-on, leading to immediate fatalities for both drivers.

Authorities confirmed that road conditions were dry at the time of the crash, and both drivers were wearing seat belts. While airbags deployed in both vehicles, the impact was devastating. The Stearns County Sheriff's Office, Sauk Centre Ambulance, Elrosa Fire, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation were among the agencies that responded to the scene to manage the aftermath of the accident.