A Minnesota man suffered severe injuries when a car jack failed, pinning him during a demolition derby car project.

A 25-year-old Park Rapids man, Elijah Hensel, is recovering from severe injuries after a car jack failed on October 18, 2025, while he worked on a demolition derby car in Hewitt. The vehicle fell on him, pinning his head and causing skull, facial, and rib fractures, along with nerve damage affecting his eyes. He was rescued by friends and airlifted to a St. Cloud hospital, where no surgery has been needed yet. Unable to work for months, Hensel, a father of two and owner of Backwoods Builders LLC, is supported by a GoFundMe and a benefit dinner planned for November 16 at the Park Rapids American Legion to cover medical and living costs.