Senator seriously injured in snowmobile crash

A Minnesota senator who represents western Dodge County is recovering in a Twin Cities hospital after a weekend snowmobile crash in northern Minnesota.
Sen. John Jasinski crashed his snowmobile around 12:45 p.m. Friday at the Minnesota Rendezvous event near Motley. The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office says Jasinski was operating a snowmobile with fellow Sen. Mark Johnson of East Grand Forks.
The two made a 90-degree turn on a trail when Jasinski lost control and was thrown off, according to the sheriff’s office. Johnson came from behind and hit Jasinski’s unoccupied snowmobile.
The crash took place in Scandia Valley Township about six miles south of Motley.
Jasinski, 55, was taken to a local hospital before being flown by air ambulance to North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale where he is currently recovering.
Johnson was uninjured.
Sen. Jasinski, who is the assistant majority leader, released a statement Monday afternoon revealing that the accident left him with three broken ribs, a broken pelvis and fractured L5 vertebrae.
“Because of the great care I received both at the accident scene and in the hospital, I am expected to make a full recovery,” Jasinski said, adding he wishes to thank everyone at North Memorial, their air service and the Robbinsdale hospital for their “amazing care and support.”
Johnson also released a statement on Monday: “I was unfortunately involved in the accident that left Sen. John Jasinski with injuries… 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.”
The two senators were participating in the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association’s Winter Rendezvous at the time of the crash.
The legislative session began last week in St. Paul. While Jasinski won’t be able to be in person for the session right now, he vows to continue serving the citizens of District 24.
“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,” Jasinski said. “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.”
Jasinski added he wants citizens to know they can continue to reach out for assistance, and he will do whatever he can to help.
District 24 includes most of Steele and Rice counties as well as small portions of Dodge and Waseca counties.