Highway 95 Crash Leaves 2 Seriously Injured in Washington County

Oct 9

Two people were critically injured Wednesday afternoon when a southbound driver crossed into oncoming traffic on Highway 95 in May Township, striking two northbound cars.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash happened around 3:30 p.m. Oct. 8 near mile marker 97.

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Investigators say a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox driven by 67-year-old Lori Jean Damkaer, of Saint Croix Falls, Wisc., crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a northbound 2020 Subaru Forester. A 2019 Buick Encore traveling behind the Subaru then struck the wreckage.

Both Damkaer and the Subaru driver, 70-year-old James Alan Litwin, of Marcell, suffered life-threatening injuries. Both were transported to Regions Hospital. The Buick’s driver, a 54-year-old woman of Osceola, Wisc., was not injured.

Authorities said all three drivers were wearing seat belts, airbags deployed in the Chevrolet and Subaru, and no alcohol was involved. The road was dry at the time of the crash.

Washington County deputies assisted at the scene along with Stillwater Fire, Lakeview EMS and Life Link. The State Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the collision.

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