Four people died and another suffered life-threatening injuries after a head-on crash Wednesday on Highway 169 in Mille Lacs County.
The crash happened just before 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, near milepost 222, just north of Shakopee Lake Road in Kathio Township.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a northbound 2004 Buick LeSabre crossed the center line and collided head-on with a southbound 2005 Saab 9-5.
The Buick was driven by Samantha Jean Ajax, 21, of Isle, who died at the scene. The Saab was driven by Michelle Marie Rock, 53, of Minneapolis, who was also pronounced dead at the scene.
Passengers in the Saab included Christopher Andrew Boswell, 41, of Onamia, and James Allen Ortley, 51, of Minneapolis, both of whom were pronounced dead a short time after responders arrived. A third passenger, Jessica Faye Mitchell, 25, of Onamia, suffered life-threatening injuries and was airlifted by North Air Care to St. Cloud Hospital.
The State Patrol said the crash involved unbelted occupants. Airbags deployed in both vehicles, and several people inside the Saab were not wearing seat belts, according to the incident report. Alcohol involvement remains under investigation.
Authorities said the roadway was dry at the time of the crash. Assisting agencies included the Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office, Mille Lacs Tribal Police, Onamia Ambulance, Crosby Ambulance and North Air Care.
The deadly crash happened about 6 miles from another fatal collision on Highway 169 the morning before. In that incident, a southbound Subaru Impreza lost control on an icy curve near 460th Street in Kathio Township, crossed into oncoming traffic and was struck by a northbound Kia Sorento. The Subaru’s driver, Nicole Elizabeth Freeman, 50, of Garrison, died at the scene. The driver of the Kia, a 42-year-old man from Isle, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center.
PREVIOUSLY: Woman Killed in Icy Highway 169 Crash in Mille Lacs County
Emergency crews remained at the scene for several hours Wednesday night as investigators worked to determine what led up to the crash and crews cleared the roadway.
