Sioux County, IA (August 8, 2026) – Two people were killed, and another was injured on Thursday morning in a head-on collision involving a semi-truck on Highway 10 in Sioux County.
According to the Iowa State Patrol, 19-year-old Lazaro Martin was driving a 2018 Dodge Charger westbound on Highway 10 when he attempted to pass another vehicle. The Charger then collided head-on with a 2006 Chevrolet Impala driven by 53-year-old Jefferey Lahr.
Martin and Lahr were both pronounced dead at the scene. After the initial collision, the rear of the Charger struck the driver’s door of a passing KW semi-truck. The Charger caught fire and was engulfed in flames. The semi-truck driver was not injured.
Dense fog was present at the time of the crash, according to officials. However, the investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and wish the injured person a full recovery.
Why Passing in Dense Fog Can Be Especially Dangerous
Passing another vehicle requires a driver to accurately judge the distance and speed of approaching traffic. Dense fog can significantly reduce visibility, making it more difficult to see vehicles in the opposing lane and recognize potential hazards in time to react.
Head-on collisions can be particularly severe because vehicles traveling in opposite directions meet with substantial force. Investigators may examine roadway evidence, vehicle damage, visibility conditions, witness accounts, and other available evidence to establish how the collision unfolded.
When commercial trucks are involved, the consequences can be even more serious because of their size and weight. Maintaining a safe speed for the conditions and avoiding passing when visibility is limited can help reduce the risk of a devastating collision.
