Four people, including a woman from Atlantic, were injured during a crash early this (Thursday) morning, in eastern Iowa’s Johnson County. The Iowa State Patrol reports a 2007 Chevy Cobalt driven by 39-year old Douglas W. Walker, of Conesville (IA), went past the intended off-ramp at Highway 218 south and the I-80 west interchange at mile marker 237.  Walker made a U-turn from west I-80 to I-80 east at a “No U Turn” signed utility crossover.

He turned from the number two lane across the number one lane and was struck broadside on the driver’s side by a 2006 Mercury Mountaineer SUV. The SUV was driven by 19-year old Luke E. Flickinger, of St. Charles. Both vehicles came to rest on their top.

Both drivers were transported to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, with Walker flown by helicopter. Flickinger was transported by Johnson County Ambulance Service. Two passengers, 51-year old Michele A. Darrow, of Atlantic, and 25-year old Micheala M. Helton, of St. Charles, were transported to the same hospital by JCAS ambulance.

The accident, which happened at around 2:27-a.m., caused traffic to be re-routed for two-hours. The crash remains under investigation.