OTTER TAIL COUNTY, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A 68-year-old Dent man suffered life-threatening injuries Friday after heavy horse panels fell onto him.
The accident happened November 6, 2026, at Maplewood State Park in Otter Tail County.
The man was unloading large horse panels from a trailer when three panels suddenly fell onto him.
Emergency crews responded, and the injured man was later flown to a Fargo hospital for advanced medical care.
Three Horse Panels Fall From Trailer
According to the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office, emergency dispatchers received a report of the accident around 10:58 a.m.
Deputies responded to Maplewood State Park, located near Pelican Rapids in western Minnesota.
Authorities said the 68-year-old man was unloading large panels used for horses.
During the unloading process, three panels fell from the trailer and landed on him.
The impact left the man with injuries described by authorities as life-threatening.
Officials have not released details explaining what caused the panels to fall.
The sheriff’s office also has not provided information about the weight or size of the panels.
Victim Airlifted to Fargo Hospital
Emergency responders provided assistance following the accident.
The injured man was first transported to an emergency room in Perham for medical evaluation and treatment.
Medical personnel later arranged an air ambulance flight to a hospital in Fargo, North Dakota.
The transfer followed concerns about the seriousness of his injuries.
Authorities have not identified the Fargo hospital where he was taken.
The man’s name has not been released, and his latest medical condition remains unknown.
No additional updates about his recovery were available in the initial reports.
Multiple Emergency Agencies Respond
The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office coordinated the response to the accident.
The Pelican Rapids Fire Department and Ringdahl Ambulance also assisted at the scene.
Emergency crews worked to provide medical care and arrange transportation for the injured man.
The sheriff’s office has not released additional information about the events leading to the accident.
Accident Occurs at Popular Minnesota State Park
Maplewood State Park is located in Otter Tail County, east of Pelican Rapids.
The park offers camping, hiking, and horseback riding opportunities.
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Maplewood features approximately 20 miles of horseback riding trails.
The park also has camping facilities designed for visitors traveling with horses.
Officials have not specified which area of the park was involved in Friday’s accident.
Visitors can find additional park information through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Injured Man’s Condition Remains Unknown
Authorities have not released further information about the man’s injuries or his condition following the medical flight.
It also remains unclear whether additional information about the accident will be released.
The incident was reported by the Valley News Live newsroom.
Additional information about county emergency services is available from the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.
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