Linn Co., IA (July 17, 2026) – A 79-year-old Central City man was hospitalized after a two-vehicle collision on Wednesday night, July 16, at North Center Point Road and County Home Road in Linn County.
The crash occurred at approximately 8:50 p.m. and involved a 2023 Buick Encore and a 2018 Ford truck. The Buick driver, identified as Kenneth Kolek, was alone in his vehicle and suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
The truck driver, 34-year-old Douglas Drees of Cedar Rapids, and his young son were not injured. Multiple law enforcement, fire, rescue, and ambulance agencies responded to the scene. Officials continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the collision.
We hope the injured driver makes a full recovery.
How Seat Belts Help Reduce Injuries in Two-Vehicle Collisions
Seat belts help keep occupants in a safer position during a collision and reduce the chance of being thrown into the dashboard, windshield, or other parts of the vehicle. They also work with airbags and other safety systems to manage crash forces.
In two-vehicle collisions, occupants may experience sudden movement from more than one direction depending on the angle of impact. Proper restraint can limit that movement and lower the risk of severe head, chest, and internal injuries.
Investigators may examine vehicle damage, roadway markings, debris, sight lines, and final stopping positions to reconstruct the crash. Witness statements and available electronic vehicle data may also help clarify how the vehicles entered the intersection.
