Germantown Township, MN — A devastating head‑on collision on Minnesota State Highway 71 claimed the lives of five people and left eight others injured Friday afternoon, as families were returning from a birthday celebration, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
The fatal crash occurred at approximately 4:45 p.m. on March 20 near 240th Street, when a northbound 2016 GMC Terrain SUV collided with a southbound 2019 Ford Transit van. The van was carrying 13 family members at the time, who were reportedly celebrating the birthday of Richard Warren Johnson, 73, of Jackson.
Tragically, those killed in the crash included Richard and his wife, Kathleen Ann Johnson, 73, also of Jackson, as well as two of their loved ones — Kelly Christine Hargus, 49, of Jackson, and Lindsey Kay Rossow, 47, of Lakefield. The driver of the SUV, Martin Nickolas Hanson, 67, of Springfield, also died at the scene.
The party bus, filled with family celebrating together, was struck head‑on, leaving several injured. Of the eight people hurt, six suffered non‑life‑threatening injuries, while two were reported in critical condition. First responders from Cottonwood and Redwood counties, Sanborn Fire, area ambulance crews, and North AirCare quickly arrived to assist and transport those in need of urgent care.
Family members are grieving deeply. Relative Serena McCartney told the Star Tribune that her uncle, his wife, and two daughters were among the deceased, describing the family as inseparable and deeply close‑knit.
The Minnesota State Patrol has not yet released the name of the 42‑year‑old Ford Transit driver, nor the definitive cause of the crash as the investigation continues. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as they work to piece together the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking collision.
