Urbandale, IA (February 10, 2026) – A traffic accident with injuries caused lane closures and delays Saturday night along Interstate 80/35 westbound in Urbandale. According to dispatch traffic, police requested medical assistance for an injured individual with facial injuries after a vehicle was found facing the wrong direction on the inside shoulder. Fire crews, ambulance units, and law enforcement worked together to secure the area and manage traffic while the situation was assessed.
Key Details
- Location: I-80/35 westbound near 100th St, Urbandale, IA
- Reported: February 7, 2026, at approximately 9:36 PM
- Accident Type: Motor vehicle accident with injuries
- Injuries: One person reported with facial injuries
- Scene Conditions: Vehicle facing the wrong direction on the inside shoulder
- Traffic Impact: Inside lane shut down during response
What We Know So Far
- Police requested a non-emergent medical response for an injured individual at the scene.
- A vehicle was located facing backward on the inside shoulder of the interstate.
- Fire crews and medical personnel coordinated with law enforcement to assist the patient and direct traffic.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The number of vehicles involved in the collision.
- The extent of the facial injuries reported.
- The circumstances that led to the vehicle facing the wrong direction.
Local Context
High-speed corridors like I-80/35 through Urbandale can become especially hazardous when a crash occurs after dark. When injury accidents are reported along this stretch, responding crews often focus on traffic control and scene safety to prevent secondary collisions while medical teams evaluate those involved.
What to Do Next
- Remain inside your vehicle if moving around traffic is unsafe and wait for instructions.
- Follow directions from police or fire personnel managing traffic near the scene.
- Note mile markers, access points, or nearby exits to help document the incident.
- Monitor symptoms after the crash and seek medical care if pain or discomfort develops.
FAQ
Q: Why are highway crashes often more dangerous at night?
A: Reduced visibility, higher speeds, and driver fatigue can increase the risk of serious injuries during nighttime highway accidents.
Q: Why would a vehicle be facing the wrong direction after a crash?
A: Impacts can cause vehicles to spin or lose control, sometimes leaving them oriented opposite traffic flow.
Q: Why are lanes closed during an injury response?
A: Lane closures create space for patient care and protect responders while traffic is safely redirected.
