Woman dies after Main Street crash

Chuck Kajer, Managing Editor

A 97-year-old New Prague woman died Tuesday, one day after her car was involved in a bizarre crash on New Prague’s Main Street.

Evelyn Bohnsack was moving her 1991 Dodge Spirit into position to be filled with gas at Crawford Standard/BP Station shortly before 5 p.m. Monday when the car accelerated and headed west down the sidewalk on the south side of Main Street.

The car struck a mailbox in front of the New Prague Post office and a planter on the front of the Electric Beach tanning salon, then continued west, still on the sidewalk, crossing Central Ave. S and crashing into the Corner Bar building. Police and bystanders estimated that the car was traveling at approximately 30 to 35 miles per hour. The incident occurred at 4:48 p.m.

It is not known why the car accelerated, according to New Prague Police Chief Mark Vosejpka. Dallas Bohnsack, Evelyn’s son, said doctors told him she may have suffered a stroke.

New Prague Police, both New Prague Ambulances and the New Prague Fire Department were called to the scene, as firefighters had to extricate Bohnsack from the vehicle. The Minnesota State Patrol also responded, and is investigating the crash.

At least two vehicles parked along the street had minor damage, either from being struck by debris or the car.

After extrication, Bohnsack was taken to Queen of Peace Hospital in New Prague, then transferred by air ambulance to North Memorial in Robbinsdale. She suffered two broken legs and other injuries. She died about noon on Tuesday.

Vosejpka said that considering the time of day of the crash - late afternoon - it was fortunate no one other than the driver was seriously injured.

It’s unbelievable