UPDATE: Five-Vehicle Chain-Reaction Crash on Highway 41 in Scott County Leaves One with Life-Threatening Injuries
Published: April 29, 2026 | Last Updated: April 30, 2026 at 8:44 AM.
UPDATE: New details have been released following a serious multi-vehicle crash on Wednesday afternoon on Highway 41 near Dem Con Road, confirming a chain-reaction collision involving five vehicles and leaving at least one person with life-threatening injuries.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash occurred when traffic was stopped in the southbound lanes of Highway 41 for lowered railroad crossing arms. A 2025 Peterbilt garbage truck then rear-ended a 2013 Hyundai Elantra, triggering a chain-reaction crash involving multiple vehicles. All vehicles ultimately came to rest in the west ditch.
One Person Seriously Injured
Authorities say the driver of the Hyundai Elantra, identified as a 50-year-old woman from Chaska, suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported by air medical to Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC).
Four other drivers involved in the crash sustained non-life-threatening injuries and did not require transport to a hospital. Those individuals include:
A 57-year-old man from Chaska driving the garbage truck
A 38-year-old woman from Saint Peter driving a Nissan Sentra
A 70-year-old man from Waconia driving a Kia Sedona
A 24-year-old man from Wyoming, Minnesota driving a Ford F-550
All drivers were reported to be wearing seatbelts, and alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash.
Large Emergency Response
The response to the scene included multiple agencies, including the Minnesota State Patrol, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Shakopee Fire Department, Allina Health EMS, North Memorial Air Care, and Burnsville Fire medics. As previously reported, the specialized medical team from Burnsville Fire, including those equipped to administer blood transfusions, was dispatched due to the severity of the crash.
Traffic Disruptions
The crash led to a significant closure of Highway 41 between U.S. Highway 169 and East 1st Street in Chaska for several hours on Wednesday afternoon and evening as crews worked to clear the scene and investigate.
Investigation Ongoing
The Minnesota State Patrol continues to investigate the crash. No charges or citations have been announced at this time.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
ORIGINAL STORY - JACKSON TOWNSHIP, MINNESOTA – Emergency crews responded to a serious multi-vehicle crash on Wednesday afternoon in Shakopee, prompting a major road closure and a large multi-agency response.
The crash occurred at the intersection of Chestnut Boulevard (Highway 41) and Dem Con Road in Jackson Township around 2:30 PM, a heavily traveled corridor connecting Shakopee and Chaska. Authorities have shut down Chestnut Boulevard between U.S. Highway 169 and East 1st Street as crews work at the scene. The closure is expected to remain in place until at least 7:00 p.m.
Heavy Emergency Response, Including Air Medical Support
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, five vehicles were involved in the crash, and it was described as a rear-end collision that left a car stuck under a garbage truck.
Emergency response to the scene has been significant. Air medical personnel were requested, signaling the potential for severe or life-threatening injuries. In addition, Burnsville-based medics responded with specialized equipment, including a blood transfusion setup, a resource typically deployed in critical trauma situations.
Officials have not yet released information on the number of people involved, but they have confirmed that at least one driver suffered severe, life-threatening injuries as a result of the crash.
Traffic Impacts and Ongoing Investigation
The closure of Highway 41 is expected to cause significant traffic disruptions in the area, particularly during the late afternoon commute. Drivers are being urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
Law enforcement and emergency personnel remain on scene as of this report, and the crash is still under active investigation. Authorities have not yet released details on what may have caused the collision.
Developing Story
This remains a developing situation. Additional information, including potential injuries, contributing factors, and identities of those involved, is expected to be released as the investigation continues.
Updates will be provided as more details become available.
Written by: Will Wight
Coverage Photo Provided by MnDOT.
