One man injured in Watkins, Minnesota, crash

Dale Morin, West Central Tribune, Willmar, Minn.
·1 min read

Oct. 9—FOREST PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP — A 57-year-old man was transported to CentraCare — St. Cloud Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries after a two-vehicle crash reported Monday on the west edge of Watkins.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol's accident report, Richard Thomas Anderson, of Saint Augusta, was the driver injured in the crash.

A 16-year-old male was the other driver. The

State Patrol's report

did not identify him by name and did not specify injuries, but it said he was not transported to a healthcare facility.

Both drivers were the only occupants listed in their vehicles.

The crash was reported at 9:33 a.m. Monday at the intersection of Minnesota Highway 55 and Meeker County Road 2 in Forest Prairie Township, outside of

Watkins

.

According to the report, the 16-year-old driver was eastbound on Highway 55 in a 2000 Ford Ranger while Anderson was driving westbound in a 2021 GMC Sierra when the two vehicles collided.

The airbags in both vehicles deployed and both drivers were wearing their seat belts during the crash. Alcohol was not a factor for Anderson, according to the State Patrol.

The report did not say either way whether alcohol was involved for the 16-year-old driver.

Road conditions were dry at the time of the accident. The Meeker County Sheriff's Office, Watkins Fire Department, Stearns County Sheriff's Office and Watkins Ambulance assisted the Minnesota State Patrol at the scene.