Kelly Esch Injured in Five-Vehicle Collision on Highway 14 in Kalmar Township, Minnesota – October 2, 2025

On October 2, 2025, a multi-vehicle collision occurred on westbound Highway 14 at milepost 204 in Kalmar Township, Olmsted County, Minnesota. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, five vehicles were traveling westbound and had slowed for a blinking yellow traffic signal when a distraction led to a chain reaction crash. The driver of a 2012 Jeep Wrangler reportedly attempted to silence a phone call, causing the vehicle to rear-end a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and subsequently trigger a series of impacts involving three other vehicles.

Kelly Jean Van Esch, 49, of Owatonna, was driving the Subaru Crosstrek and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. She was transported to Mayo Hospital for medical care. All involved parties were wearing seat belts, and no alcohol was reported to be involved. The investigation remains ongoing, with no citations or arrests confirmed at this time.