Executive Summary
- A 29-year-old St. Cloud man was killed in a crash on Highway 95 Thursday morning.
- The Minnesota State Patrol reported the driver lost control on icy roads, striking a pickup.
- Three additional vehicles were involved in a chain-reaction collision following the initial impact.
- Two other drivers were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
MINDEN TOWNSHIP — A 29-year-old motorist from St. Cloud was killed Thursday morning following a five-vehicle collision on Highway 95 in Benton County, according to reports from the Minnesota State Patrol.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:45 a.m. near the intersection of 65th Avenue NE. Investigators stated that a Ford Mustang traveling eastbound lost control on the snow and ice-covered roadway, crossing into the opposing lane and striking a westbound Ford Ranger.
State Patrol officials indicated that the initial impact triggered a chain reaction involving three additional westbound vehicles attempting to avoid the crash site. The driver of the Mustang was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have withheld his identity pending notification of next of kin, with a release expected later Thursday evening.
Emergency responders transported the driver of the Ford Ranger, identified as 21-year-old Oscar Pendergrass of Cambridge, to St. Cloud Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Christina Dimler, 47, of Zimmerman, who was driving a Jeep Renegade, was also hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Two other drivers involved in the pileup, Eric Beehler, 51, and Hope Nelson, 34, both of Foley, were reportedly uninjured.
Traffic Safety & Investigative Status
This fatal incident highlights the persistent dangers associated with winter transit in central Minnesota, particularly during early morning hours when visibility and surface traction are often compromised. The Minnesota State Patrol noted that road conditions were degraded by snow and ice at the time of the collision. As the investigation continues, authorities use such events to reinforce the necessity for reduced speeds and increased following distances during inclement weather conditions. The crash remains under active review by state investigators to reconstruct the precise mechanics of the loss of vehicle control.
