Benjamin Edward Swain Injured in Fatal Head-On Collision on US Highway 71 in Rockwood Township, Minnesota on January 5, 2026

On the morning of January 5, 2026, a fatal two-vehicle collision occurred on U.S. Highway 71 at mile marker 233 in Rockwood Township, Wadena County. The crash involved a northbound 2018 Toyota Tundra and a southbound 2003 Chevrolet Impala under snow- and ice-covered road conditions. According to the incident report, the Chevrolet crossed into the northbound lane, where the vehicles collided head-on.

Benjamin Edward Swain, a 60-year-old resident of Hewitt, Minnesota, was driving the Toyota Tundra and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. He was transported to Astera Hospital for medical treatment. The driver of the Chevrolet Impala, an 87-year-old man from Sebeka, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Emergency response included local law enforcement, fire services, and ambulance crews. Authorities reported seat belt use and no alcohol involvement, and the incident documentation was completed later that morning.