ST. PAUL, MN — Four people died in traffic crashes in Minnesota over the July Fourth holiday weekend, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. The total was higher than the three deaths reported during the same holiday period in 2025.
Crash numbers climbed
State Patrol said there were 49 injury crashes and 232 property damage crashes during the weekend. Both counts were up from 2025, when troopers reported 41 injury crashes and 220 property damage crashes.
The agency also noted that it is comparing holiday periods that were not the same length every year. In 2024 and 2023, the July Fourth weekend included one extra day, and both of those years saw eight traffic deaths.
Main factors in crashes
A State Patrol representative said most of the crashes and injuries were tied to people not wearing seat belts, speeding, impairment or distracted driving. Those factors were identified as the main contributors to the weekend toll.
The report did not break down the crashes by county or roadway. It also did not provide details on the individual fatal wrecks.
Holiday safety concerns
The numbers add to a familiar holiday safety message from troopers who regularly warn drivers about basic risk factors on busy travel weekends. The agency’s report shows that even a short holiday period can bring a large number of serious crashes across the state.
With the holiday weekend over, the state patrol’s totals offer a snapshot of road danger during a high-traffic stretch for Minnesota drivers.
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