Plymouth County, IA (April 15, 2025) – Four men were hospitalized on Monday evening after a serious collision between a passenger car and a grain truck in rural Plymouth County. The crash occurred just before 6:00 PM along County Road C-38 near the town of Merrill, according to the Iowa State Patrol.
Emergency responders from Plymouth County Fire and EMS arrived on the scene to find a passenger vehicle that had collided with the rear of a semi-tractor hauling a grain hopper. The impact occurred after the car reportedly failed to stop at a posted stop sign, causing it to strike the back of the eastbound semi.
The driver of the grain truck, a local farmer, was not injured in the incident. However, all four individuals inside the car were hurt. Two of the injured men were transported to MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center, while the other two were taken to UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s. Authorities confirmed that all four men suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
The roadway was temporarily closed as law enforcement and rescue teams worked to assist the victims and clear the scene. The Iowa State Patrol is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
We extend our best wishes to the four injured individuals and hope for a full and speedy recovery.
Rural Intersection Crashes in Iowa
Accidents involving passenger vehicles and large farm equipment, like grain trucks, are a recurring safety issue across Iowa’s rural roadways. Monday’s crash near Merrill underscores the dangers that can arise when drivers fail to observe traffic controls, such as stop signs, particularly at intersections with limited visibility.
County Road C-38 is a common route for both commuters and agricultural transport, and the presence of a grain hopper highlights the ongoing intersection between farming activity and daily traffic. These large vehicles often operate at slower speeds and require longer stopping distances, making collisions especially dangerous for passenger car occupants.
In this case, all four individuals in the car were fortunate to escape with non-life-threatening injuries. Still, the force of the crash required multiple hospitalizations and triggered a full-scale emergency response. The split between MercyOne and UnityPoint Health suggests that multiple trauma teams were involved, reinforcing the severity of the incident.
Iowa’s State Patrol and transportation officials continue to stress the importance of cautious driving on rural roads, especially at intersections with agricultural or commercial traffic. Obeying posted signage, reducing speed, and remaining alert in open-road conditions are all essential for preventing similar accidents.
For those recovering from rural crashes, understanding available resources—medical, legal, and logistical—is crucial. Victims often face complex challenges in coordinating care, managing insurance claims, and addressing vehicle damage or loss.
If you or someone close to you has been injured in a rural vehicle collision, trusted help is just a step away.
Crashes on country roads can happen in a heartbeat, but the path to recovery takes time and support. At Local Accident Reports, we help connect injured individuals with the resources they need, from medical care to legal guidance and more. Contact us today to begin your recovery with confidence and clarity.
