REDWOOD COUNTY, Minn. — Two state officials were hospitalized following a crash Wednesday evening in southwestern Minnesota.
State Auditor Julie Blaha and Senator Melisa Franzen were involved in a crash while driving back from Farmfest in Redwood County, according to a spokesperson with Blaha's office.
A report posted on the Minnesota State Patrol website says the Jeep Cherokee Blaha was driving was southbound on Redwood County Road 13 when it collided with an eastbound International semi-truck at the intersection of State Highway 67. The report does not say which driver failed to yield before the collision.
Blaha's spokesperson said they talked with the auditor on the phone and say she's "being observed" at Redwood Falls Hospital. Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent posted on Twitter that she spoke with Sen. Franzen and added that she was "reassured by the sound of her voice and I'm so grateful it sounds like she'll be ok."
Blaha thanked KARE for reaching out, and said, "Terrific doctors and first responders in Redwood Falls." According to a spokesperson for Sen. Franzen, she is expected to be released from the hospital Wednesday night.
Earlier in the day, Sen. Franzen told KARE at Farmfest she enjoyed carpooling with Blaha.
