safety
3 killed in pontoon crash, including 2 firefighters, authorities say
By KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· July 14, 2026
· 1 min read
WABASHA, Minn. (WEAU/Gray News) — A Minnesota community is in mourning after a pontoon crashed into a commercial barge over the weekend.Three people were killed in the tragic accident on Lake Pepin, which is on the Mississippi River along the Minnesota-Wisconsin border.Two of the victims were mem...
Key takeaway The victims have been identified as Ashley Monson, 37; Manuel De Angel-Sola, 52; and Nicholas Loechler, 46.
Why this matters in The Midland
The tragic pontoon crash on Lake Pepin serves as a stark reminder for Midland residents to exercise caution on their own waterways. Although the accident occurred in Minnesota, the loss of two firefighters and a third individual resonates deeply, given the strong sense of community and appreciation for first responders in Midland. As the city's own firefighters and emergency personnel work tirelessly to keep residents safe, the incident underscores the risks and sacrifices they may face. Midland's own water safety efforts, such as those on the Canadian River, take on added significance in light of this accident. The incident may also prompt local authorities to review and reinforce boating safety regulations and emergency response protocols to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the Permian Basin area.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? WABASHA, Minn. (WEAU/Gray News) — A Minnesota community is in mourning after a pontoon crashed into a commercial barge over the weekend.Three people were killed in the tragic accident on Lake Pepin, which is on the Mississippi River along the Minnesota-Wisconsin border.Two of the victims were mem...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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