Ely, IA (June 20, 2026) – Three people were injured in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Highway 30 and Jappa Road in rural Ely on Thursday night.
The crash happened around 8:54 p.m. on June 18, according to reports. Emergency units responded to the scene and found a blue Chevy Silverado with heavy front-end damage on the eastbound shoulder of Highway 30 and a green Dodge Dakota with heavy front-end damage in the south ditch.
Investigators said the Chevy Silverado was traveling west on Highway 30 when the driver attempted to turn left onto Jappa Road. The Dodge Dakota was traveling east on Highway 30 when it struck the Silverado. The Silverado driver, 58-year-old Todd Hanna of Ely, was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries.
The Dodge driver, 18-year-old Dawson Scheil of Lisbon, and a passenger were also taken to a hospital with minor injuries. Officials said Hanna was charged with failure to yield upon entering the highway. Both vehicles sustained heavy damage in the crash.
We wish the injured a speedy and full recovery.
Why Left-Turn Crashes Can Happen at Intersections
Left turns across traffic require drivers to judge the speed and distance of approaching vehicles before entering another lane. Misjudging a gap or failing to yield can result in a collision with vehicles traveling through the intersection.
These crashes can be especially serious when vehicles are moving at higher speeds, such as on highways. The force of impact may lead to significant vehicle damage and injuries for people inside the vehicles.
Investigators review traffic patterns, roadway conditions, vehicle movements, and driver actions when examining intersection crashes. These details help explain how the collision occurred and what factors may have contributed.
