Franklin Township, MN (trfnews.i234.me) — A UTV rollover crash on Sunday night, May 18, in Franklin Township, Wright County, left two young adults seriously injured and raised concerns about off-road vehicle safety.
The Wright County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies were dispatched around 8:20 p.m. to the area of 11868 Eaken Avenue SE. Upon arrival, they discovered a John Deere UTV that had rolled onto its passenger side near a field. Five individuals were inside the vehicle at the time of the crash.
The driver, identified as 19-year-old Jack Nelson of Minnetrista, was operating the UTV when it rolled, ejecting multiple passengers. Among those ejected were 19-year-old Ally Eidsness of Minnetrista and 18-year-old Thomas Rockwell of Mound, both sustaining serious injuries. Eidsness was airlifted by LifeLink helicopter to a trauma center, while Rockwell was transported by ambulance. Two other passengers were uninjured.
Emergency responders from Ridgeview Ambulance and the Watertown Fire Department assisted at the scene. The Wright County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an ongoing investigation to determine the cause of the crash and whether any charges will be filed.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.