New Hartford, IA (February 11, 2026) – Two teenage girls were injured on Tuesday morning following a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Hwy 57 and County Rd T55 in New Hartford. The collision involved a passenger vehicle and a semi-truck, according to the Iowa State Patrol. Investigators reported that a 15-year-old driver from Parkersburg was traveling eastbound on Hwy 57 and attempting to turn onto County Rd T55 when her vehicle was struck by a westbound semi driven by a 63-year-old man from Grundy Center. The impact resulted in significant injuries to both occupants of the car. The 15-year-old driver was transported by ambulance to Allen Hospital in Waterloo. Her 14-year-old sister, who was riding as a passenger, was airlifted by University of Iowa AirCare to University of Iowa Health Care for treatment. Authorities confirmed that the semi-truck driver was not injured in the crash. The Dike-New Hartford School District issued a letter to families and staff on Tuesday, stating that the two students are in stable condition and are expected to recover. The message was shared with the family’s permission.
Key Details
- Reported: Tuesday, February 10
- Location: Hwy 57 and County Rd T55, New Hartford
- Vehicles Involved: Passenger vehicle and semi-truck
- Injuries: Two teenage sisters were injured
- Transport: One taken by ambulance to Allen Hospital; one airlifted to University of Iowa Health Care
- Semi Driver: Not injured
What We Know So Far
- The car was attempting to turn onto County Rd T55 when it was struck by a westbound semi.
- The driver is 15 years old, and the passenger is 14 years old.
- Both teens are students in the Dike-New Hartford School District.
- Officials reported the sisters are stable and expected to be okay.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The exact circumstances leading to the collision.
- Whether any citations will be issued.
- Additional details about roadway or weather conditions at the time.
Local Context
Hwy 57 is a well-traveled route connecting rural communities in Butler County, including New Hartford and Parkersburg. Intersections with county roads such as T55 often involve vehicles slowing to turn while other traffic continues at highway speeds. Crashes at rural highway intersections can be particularly severe due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles like semis. Emergency responders in the area frequently coordinate with air medical services when serious injuries are reported.
What to Do Next
- Move to a safe area if possible and check for injuries.
- Remain at the scene and cooperate fully with law enforcement and EMS.
- Document the exact intersection and direction of travel if it is safe.
- Seek immediate medical evaluation after any crash, even if symptoms seem minor at first.
FAQ
Q: Why are rural highway intersections often dangerous?
A: Vehicles may travel at higher speeds on rural highways, and turning movements at intersections can create sudden conflict points between cars and larger commercial trucks.
Q: Why are air medical helicopters used after serious crashes?
A: Air transport allows critically injured patients to reach specialized trauma centers more quickly, especially when ground transport times may be longer.
Q: What happens during a crash investigation?
A: Authorities review vehicle positions, damage, roadway conditions, and witness statements to determine how the collision occurred and whether any traffic laws were violated.
