2 drivers killed in head-on crash in central Minnesota

Two people were killed in a head-on crash in central Minnesota on Monday evening. 

According to the State Patrol, the head-on collision happened around 6:25 p.m. on Hwy. 23 outside of Foley in Benton County. The crash report says a Chrysler 200 was eastbound on the highway and a Chevy Tahoe was westbound when they collided. 

The driver of the Chrysler was 20-year-old Amber V. Merten, of Milaca. The person behind the wheel of the Tahoe was 57-year-old Richard T. Theisen, of Foley. Both drivers died at the scene, the State Patrol said. 

Road conditions were wet at the time of the crash. 

The state's traffic safety department has tallied 89 deaths on Minnesota roads so far in 2021, which is up from 76 at the same point in 2020. 

Note: The details provided in this story are based on the police’s latest version of events, and may be subject to change.