Council Bluffs, IA (May 27, 2026) – A 60-year-old man lost his life Monday afternoon, May 25, after a two-vehicle highway wreck along Interstate 29 in Council Bluffs. The roadway was shut down near 25th St at about 4:30 p.m. while crews worked in the northbound lanes.
Investigators said a 2020 Ram 1500 had stopped on I-29 when a semi struck the pickup from behind. The pickup driver, identified as Donald Marks of Missouri Valley, Iowa, was pronounced dead there.
A passenger riding in the semi was taken to a nearby medical center with injuries. Additional details about the vehicles involved had not been made public as of Tuesday, May 26.
Troopers are still working to determine what led up to the highway fatality. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Donald Marks’ family and friends during this difficult time.
Why Highway Traffic Delays Often Follow Serious Semi-Truck Collisions
Major highway closures may last several hours after a semi-truck collision because investigators and cleanup crews must handle several tasks before traffic can safely resume. Large commercial vehicles can block multiple lanes, making it harder for drivers to move through the roadway.
Crews may also need extra time to remove damaged vehicles and spilled cargo. In some cases, barriers, guardrails, or pavement sections must be inspected before reopening the highway. Investigators commonly review skid marks, vehicle positions, weather, and traffic flow to better understand what happened.
Long shutdowns can create heavy backups and detours, especially during afternoon travel periods. Drivers are usually encouraged to use alternate routes to reduce congestion and allow cleanup operations to continue safely.
