Las Vegas NowSen. Ensign And Aide Suffer Minor Injuries

Sen. Ensign And Aide Suffer Minor Injuries

Nevada Senator John Ensign walked away from a head-on collision Monday morning while on his way to McCarran Internationl Airport. The accident put him in the hospital for a time and caused him to delay a trip back to Washington, D.C.

Police say the driver of a red Jeep fell asleep behind the wheel and slammed head-on into the passenger side of the SUV where Ensign was sitting. The driver, David Twitchell also crashed into a pile of twisted metal. He saw the shaken senator. "The senator, John Ensign, who was in the passenger seat was pretty banged up."

Airbags softened the head-on collision, but Ensign did sustain a gashed elbow. The senator and one of his aides were transported to Sunrise Hospital and were treated for minor to moderate injuries. The senator was released after two hours and went home.

Police have cited the driver of the Jeep for falling asleep. The driver complained of chest pain. There was also a third vehicle involved in the accident.

Ensign spent most of Monday waiting for staff to reschedule his flight to Washington. He hopes to be there Tuesday to see President Bush's State of the Union speech. He is expected back in Las Vegas this weekend.

The vehicle was owned by Senator Ensign's driver. She had a bloody nose and complained of back pain after the accident. Ensign did miss the vote Monday to end debate on Samuel Alito's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. However, the measure passed easily.

A full vote on Alito's comfirmation could come Tuesday.

Email reporter Ky Plaskon at kplaskon@klastv.com