One Person Killed in Eastern Iowa Collision Between Semi and Wagon

The above photo is a stock photo representative of the harvest season. None of the vehicles above were involved in the accident.

One person was killed in a Monday evening accident in eastern Iowa involving a semi-truck and a tractor pulling a grain wagon.

72-year-old Charles Griffith of Brooklyn was driving a John Deere 8520 tractor northbound on Highway V18 in rural Poweshiek County at approximately 6 p.m. Monday evening. According to the Iowa State Patrol, the "rear grain wagon" that Griffith was pulling was struck by a semi, which was also traveling northbound on the highway. The accident happened south of Interstate 80, south of Brooklyn.

The semi that struck the grain wagon ended up on its side in the west ditch along the county highway.

Griffith was injured in the accident and was transported by private vehicle to Grinnell Hospital. The driver of the semi was killed in the incident. He's been identified as 68-year-old Garland Roth of Grinnell. The Iowa State Patrol accident report indicates neither driver was wearing a seat belt.

The Monday evening accident is, unfortunately, a stark reminder of just how dangerous harvest season can be on Iowa's roadways. Last week, the Poweshiek County Sheriff's Office reminded drivers to "always slow down and watch for our farming friends and family." I think it's always a good idea to be especially aware as you approach hills. Slow-moving farm equipment could be just over the rise and paying attention at those moments is a necessity. Just one second can make a big difference.

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