Minister Mika Poutala undergoes two surgeries after tractor accident

Finnish Minister of Physical Activity, Sports and Youth Mika Poutala has undergone two operations after his leg became trapped between a small tractor’s roll bar and the ground, Yle reported.

Poutala said on Instagram that he had spent two nights in hospital after the accident on his own property. He had been carrying out earthmoving work and building a jump.

According to Poutala, the machine began tipping forward as he was moving soil from the top of the jump to its landing area. He pressed the bucket into the ground to prevent the tractor from overturning, but it fell onto its side.

Poutala jumped from the machine, but his left leg became trapped between the roll bar and the ground as he landed. He said part of his foot and toes were visibly separated from the rest of the foot.

Poutala said the injury would require further surgery and possibly a skin graft. He expects to remain in hospital for at least the following week.

The minister said he intends to return to work after the acute phase of his hospital treatment is over.