2 State Senators Involved In Snowmobile Crash In Central Minnesota
/ CBS Minnesota
SCANDIA VALLEY TOWNSHIP, Minn. (WCCO) -- Two Minnesota state senators were involved in a snowmobile crash Friday afternoon.
Sen. John Jasinski was hospitalized following the crash with unknown injuries, according to the Morrison County Sheriff's Office. Sen. Mark Johnson was uninjured.
The sheriff's office said Jasinski and Johnson were snowmobiling on a trail in Scandia Valley Township. An initial release from the sheriff said Johnson rear-ended Jasinski as they both turned left. The sheriff's office later issued an update, saying Jasinski lost control while turning and was thrown from his snowmobile, and then Johnson hit the unoccupied snowmobile.
The two snowmobiles involved in the crash. (credit: Morrison County Sheriff's Office)
Jasinski released the following statement Monday:
"On Friday, February 4th I was in an accident involving another snowmobile at the Minnesota Rendezvous event. I was flown in a North Memorial helicopter ambulance to North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale, MN. The accident left me with three broken ribs, a broken pelvis, and fractured L5 vertebrae. Because of the great care I received both at the accident site and in the hospital, I am expected to make a full recovery. I want to thank everyone at North Memorial, their ambulance service, and the Robbinsdale Hospital for their amazing care and support.
Mark Johnson and John Jasinski (credit: CBS)
"While the physical recovery may be long, I'm ready to participate with remote access for hearings and floor sessions and fully engage in this session. I also will be in regular communication with Senate staff and my Legislative Assistant to continue to provide the best constituent services to my district. I want my constituents to know they can continue to reach out for assistance, and I will do whatever I can to help."
Johnson also released a statement.
"While at the Minnesota Rendezvous event, I was unfortunately involved in the accident that left Senator John Jasinski with injuries. I want to thank the Morrison County Sheriff's office and first responders who provided both me and John the best of care. I was uninjured and am at the Capitol today working for my constituents. I am wishing my friend and colleague the best in his recovery and look forward to having him back here at the Capitol as soon as he is able."
Johnson and Jasinski, both Republicans, represent districts 1 and 24, respectively.
