Driver Killed in Two-Vehicle Crash in Castle Rock Township, Investigation Ongoing
A photo provided to Limitless Media News from the scene of the fatal crash.
Published: March 31, 2026
CASTLE ROCK, MINNESOTA – One person is dead following a serious two-vehicle crash late Tuesday morning, March 31, 2026, in rural Dakota County, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
The crash occurred around 11:20 AM, with Minnesota State Troopers responding to the crash at approximately 11:32 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 3 and 280th Street (County Road 86). According to preliminary information from the Minnesota State Patrol, a pickup truck hauling a trailer was traveling westbound on 280th Street when it collided with an SUV that was northbound on Highway 3. Authorities say the driver of the pickup truck died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.
The driver of the SUV suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Emergency crews from Randolph-Hampton Fire, the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, and the Minnesota State Patrol all responded to the scene. AirCare was initially dispatched but was later canceled. The crash closed Highway 3 from around 12:20 PM to around 5 PM on Tuesday, between 275th Street West and 280th Street West, while emergency personnel investigated.
Officials have not yet released the identities of those involved, and the circumstances leading up to the crash remain under investigation.
No additional details are available at this time.
Second Serious Crash in Just Over a Month
Limitless Media News reported on a serious crash at the same intersection on February 6, 2026, which appears to have occurred in a very similar fashion. A semi-truck traveling eastbound on 280th Street entered the intersection and collided with a northbound pickup truck. Thankfully, that crash only resulted in non-life-threatening injuries.
You can read more about that incident here: Serious Multi-Vehicle Crash Shuts Down Highway 3 in Castle Rock
Planned Safety Improvements at High-Risk Intersection
The fatal crash comes as Dakota County is preparing to implement safety upgrades at this and another nearby intersection following a history of serious crashes.
As part of a Rural Intersection Assessment, Dakota County evaluated safety concerns at intersections where county roads meet major roadways. The study specifically included:
280th Street West (County Road 86) and Chippendale Avenue (Highway 3) in Castle Rock and Waterford townships
280th Street West (County Road 86) and Randolph Boulevard/Emery Avenue (Highway 56) in Randolph and Hampton townships
Based on traffic volumes, crash history, and observed collision types, the county recommended converting both intersections to roundabouts.
The planned project includes:
Construction of a single-lane roundabout at each intersection
Drainage improvements
Access management for nearby public and private properties
Public engagement efforts
Right-of-way acquisition
Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2026, with completion anticipated by Fall 2026.
County officials have previously noted that roundabouts can significantly reduce crash severity by slowing traffic and minimizing dangerous crossing conflicts common at traditional intersections.
This latest fatal crash underscores ongoing concerns about safety at rural intersections across Dakota County, as officials move forward with planned infrastructure improvements aimed at preventing future tragedies.
Location of the fatal crash in Castle Rock, Minnesota.
Written by: Will Wight
