A recreational vehicle struck a car that went through a stop sign in rural western Minnesota, killing both people in the smaller vehicle and injuring the RV's seven occupants, authorities said Sunday.

The crash occurred about 9:20 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of Hwys. 40 and 29, about 25 miles west of Willmar, according to the State Patrol.

Dead at the scene were the 87-year-old driver of the car, Jeanette J. Saunders, of Benson, Minn., and her 84-year-old passenger, Delores Olen, of Long Lake, Minn.

The RV's driver was Greg D. Oeverman, 53, of Willmar, the patrol said.

Also in the van were Laurie Fernkes, 55, of Willmar; her son and his wife, Shawn Fernkes, 28, and Nicole Fernkes, 26, both of Pennock, Minn.; the Fernkes' children, 5-year-old Emilee and 2-year-old Bentlee; and Laurie Fernkes' 10-year-old grandson Kadin Paradee.

The patrol said they all were taken to a hospital in Montevideo with injuries that were considered minor.

The car was traveling north when it was hit by the RV as it headed east, according to the patrol. The road surface was wet from a nighttime rain, but authorities have not said whether that played a role in the collision.

"Preliminary investigation indicates [the car] did not stop for the stop sign," said patrol Lt. Tiffani Nielson. There was no stop sign for the RV, and it hit the car broadside, Nielson said.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482