Authorities in Clay County say it’s a miracle that there were no injuries when two semis collided on Highway 18.
According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the accident happened at 8:45 Monday morning in the 18-hundred mile of Highway 18. 29-year-old Keith Thompson of Hartley was driving a 2006 Peterbilt eastbound. Thompson’s semi crossed the center lane due to a mechanical failure. A westbound 2000 Freightliner driven by 64-year-old Roger Wharton of Willmar, Minnesota attempted to avoid a collision, and entered the north ditch. The semi’s collided as they entered the ditch, which caused the semi driven by Wharton to tip onto its side.
Wharton’s semi received 65-thousand dollars in damage, while Thompson’s semi sustained 20-thousand dollars in damage.
Fostoria Fire/Rescue, the Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement, and the Iowa Department of Transportation assisted at the scene.
