GOP congressman who survived plane crash: ‘God was looking after us’

Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.), who is running for governor in Wisconsin, on Sunday recounted his experience over the weekend after his plane made an emergency landing on a lake.

“We’re really fortunate that God was looking after us last night. And we’re also really fortunate that the first responders, those behind me, the fire department, the sheriff’s department, as well as the city of Wausau police, for their quick response,” Tiffany said Sunday during a press conference.

“We’re really fortunate for what they did, and I can’t thank them enough for helping us in this situation,” the lawmaker continued, while getting emotional. “I have to say that the gravity of this is probably just hitting me at this point.”

Tiffany also said he received “minor injuries” during the incident.

The Wisconsin Republican said on social media that his plane’s power went out Saturday night as it approached Wausau Downtown Airport in his home state. Tiffany was returning home after attending the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner when the pilot made the emergency landing in Lake Wausau, according to the lawmaker.

“After landing, we called 911,” he told reporters. “As the plane began to submerge, we exited the aircraft and swam to a shallow area, where we waited until emergency responders reached us by boat.”

Tiffany also offered his “deepest gratitude” to the pilot, the Wausau Fire Department and “all of the first responders who came to our aid so quickly.”

“They got us safely off the water and transported us to Aspirus Wausau Hospital, where we received excellent care,” he said.