Minnesota Governor Tim Walz continued on his march after his motorcade collided with several vehicles on its way to a campaign stop for Vice President Kamala Harris in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Monday, injuring one staff member.
The motorcade crashed at 1:57pm ET, causing several news vehicles in the procession to crash into each other.
Waltz, who was at the front of the motorcade, was not affected and continued on his way, reporters in the van said.
“One of our media vehicle passengers appeared to have a broken arm and was being treated by medical staff. Everyone else was shaken but appeared to be OK. Our vehicle struck the vehicle in front of us and was struck from behind, throwing us violently forward,” New York Times reporter Jazmin Ulloa wrote in a pool report.
Journalists usually travel in special vans behind the motorcade, and roads are usually closed when the motorcade passes, preventing cars from joining the traffic flow.
The motorcade was delayed for about an hour as emergency workers dealt with the accident.
“The cause of the accident is still unknown. It appears that a woman in a BMW had stopped on the road that should have been cleared for the motorcade,” Ulloa wrote, noting that the journalists got into a new van and set off again at around 2:50 p.m.
“According to the campaign, the injured staff member was a pool patrol staff member,” she added.
Walz later mentioned the incident at the start of a speech in Milwaukee.
“Some of you may be aware that the staff and media personnel traveling with me were involved in a traffic accident on the way here today,” Waltz said. “I have spoken with my staff, and I am reassured that apart from a few minor injuries, everyone is OK.”
According to the vice presidential campaign, Ms Harris and President Biden called Mr Waltz after the accident to check on his safety.
“The Vice President has been briefed on the collision involving Governor Walz's motorcade, and staff will keep her updated throughout the day. Prior to departing Detroit, the Vice President spoke with Governor Walz and checked in on the Governor and his staff,” a White House official said.
