Crawford Co., IA (August 26, 2026) – One person was killed, and another was seriously injured on Monday afternoon, August 24, in a crash involving a semi-truck and a car at Highway 30 and Chamberlain Drive. The collision happened shortly before 3:00 p.m.
According to the Iowa State Patrol, a Lexus ES 350 had been traveling west on Highway 30 and turned onto Chamberlain Drive. Investigators said the Lexus was between the eastbound and westbound lanes when it pulled into the path of an eastbound Peterbilt semi-truck.
The semi struck the passenger side of the Lexus. The 29-year-old passenger in the Lexus was pronounced dead at the scene. The Lexus driver suffered serious injuries and was flown to UNMC in Omaha for treatment. Authorities continue reviewing the crash.
We extend our sincere condolences to the passenger’s family and loved ones, and we hope the injured driver receives attentive care and recovers fully.
Why Can Side-Impact Crashes With Semi-Trucks Be So Severe?
A semi-truck is much larger and heavier than a passenger car, so a side impact can expose occupants in the smaller vehicle to very strong forces.
The side of a car generally has less space to absorb energy than the front or rear. When the passenger compartment is struck directly, there may be a greater risk of head, chest, pelvic, and internal injuries.
Vehicle speed, impact angle, size difference, seating position, and the amount of cabin intrusion can all affect injury severity. Side-impact crashes involving large trucks can be especially dangerous because the smaller vehicle may absorb much of the force at the point where occupants are seated.
