Foley Man Hurt in Construction Crash

PAYNESVILLE TOWNSHIP -- A Foley man was hurt after a road construction crash in Paynesville Township.

The Stearns County Sheriff's Office says 65-year-old Ken Abfalter was operating a tractor which was pulling a dirt-packing trailer when he lost control.

The accident happened just before 1:30 p.m. Monday along 300th Avenue.

Abfalter lost control, steered the tractor down a slope along the roadway and tried to turn the tractor and trailer onto Crestridge Road but was unable to make the turn. The machine entered a steep ditch on the southside of the road, tipped over and struck several trees.

Abfalter was partially pinned inside the tractor and had to be pried free by Paynesville Fire and Rescue. He was taken to Paynesville Hospital, then airlifted to St. Cloud Hospital with unknown injuries.

Abfalter is employed by Knife River who was contracted to do the road work in the area.