A man who was picking up trash was struck by a car this morning in Council Bluffs, causing serious injuries. Council Bluffs Police say 53-year old Mario Rodrigues, of Omaha, who works for Red River Waste Solutions, was standing behind a garbage truck and in the process of collecting curbside garbage in the 3800 block of Avenue G., when he was struck by a vehicle that had approached him from behind. The accident happened just before 7:30-a.m.

The eastbound vehicle was driven by 27-year old Chantel Wachner, of Council Bluffs. She told Police she had been blinded by the sun and was in the process of putting down her sun visor when the accident happened. Wachner stated she did not see the truck, which was facing eastbound.

Mario Rodrigues was trapped between the two vehicles for a short period of time. Due to the severity of the leg injuries he suffered, Rodrigues was transported to UNMC’s Trauma Center in Omaha, for treatment. The extent of his injuries are unknown at this time, however they are not considered to be life threatening according to medical staff.

Authorities noted that the garbage truck’s lights were flashing and Rodrigues was wearing his required reflective vest at the time of the accident. Wachner was cited for Failure to Maintain Assured Cleared Distance.