A community-minded local businessman is counting his blessings after walking away from a highway collision last week.
On Thursday, March 21 at 9:49 a.m., Stonewall RCMP received a call about a highway collision south of Stony Mountain on Highway 7.
Danny Kleinsasser of Danny’s Whole Hog had been driving westbound on Road 74N when he pulled out onto Highway 7. A southbound semi struck the passenger side of Kleinsasser’s vehicle. The 52-year-old semi driver, who is from Winnipeg, was taken to hospital with injuries.
Kleinsasser was also taken to hospital and released the same night. Soon after, he posted photos on Facebook that he took of the accident, along with a heartfelt message.
“I’m alive, Thank God for the miracle. I’m at home. 3 Broken ribs. Broken sternum. Don’t blame the Trucker, it was my fault. He is all right. I talked to him. He put this own life in danger by swerving to hit me in the motor to have less impact,” Kleinsasser wrote.
“He had a 120000 pounds of gravel on his load. I walked away from that vehicle by myself. Thanks for all the messages and caring. Thank God for another day.”
On Monday, Kleinsasser told the Tribune he felt stiff for the first three days, but he’s feeling better after a good rest.
“It’s a miracle. I’m counting my blessings, that’s for sure. I’m holding my family close to me and my staff and my friends. The outreach that I’ve got is unbelievable. I’ve probably had over 1,000 messages,” he said.
“I went back to the crash site this morning just to see. I needed to do it.”
Kleinsasser said he drives that route each day, and usually he has his dog with him. The morning of the accident, he went out the side door of his business after speaking with an employee and left his dog behind.
“He wouldn’t have survived it. There was only one area left in the vehicle where I was sitting,” he said.
“At 62 years, it’s a blink of an eye and you could be gone. I’m a man of faith, and I know God gave me another day.”
Kleinsasser’s first grandchild was born in January, and he’s grateful for the chance to be part of her life.
“She’s going to see another day of me. I’ll be able to hold her tight,” he said.
“It could’ve been all over, but I walked away from it. It gives you a different perspective on life. It makes you think. Hug your loved ones tight. It’s a blessing that I’m alive and I have the angels beside me. I’m going to keep bringing the flavour to my family and to everybody.”
Stonewall RCMP said no alcohol or drugs were involved and an investigation is ongoing.
Tribune Photos Submitted
Danny Kleinsasser’s truck
