Fergus Falls, MN (April 20, 2026) – Two people were seriously hurt after an off-highway vehicle rolled over in a muddy field on private property in Otter Tail County.
The crash happened just before 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, when a homemade off-highway vehicle was being driven with a passenger on board. According to officials, the vehicle overturned while traveling through the muddy terrain.
Authorities said the male driver, Jeffrey Rutten, 38, and the female passenger, Jennifer Anderson, 29, both from Fergus Falls, were not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. Both were ejected during the rollover.
The driver was briefly trapped under the vehicle’s roll bar before witnesses were able to lift it and free him. Emergency units, including the Elizabeth Fire Department and Ringdahl Ambulance, responded to the scene. Both individuals were transported to Lake Region Healthcare in Fergus Falls with serious injuries.
Additional updates on their conditions have not been released. The incident remains under investigation, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
We are thinking of those injured as they continue to receive care.
Why Off-Highway Vehicle Rollovers Can Lead to Serious Injuries
Off-highway vehicle crashes often happen on uneven or soft terrain where traction can change quickly. Muddy fields, slopes, and loose ground can make it difficult to maintain control, especially during turns or sudden movement.
Rollovers are a common risk in these environments, particularly when vehicles lack full safety restraints or protective structures. Being ejected during a rollover can significantly increase the chance of serious injury.
Safety equipment like seat belts and roll bars can reduce harm, but conditions such as speed, terrain, and vehicle design still play a major role. Emergency response times can also vary depending on the location’s remoteness.
