United Group Insurance

DNR investigates Lake Manawa boat crash that injured 1 person

News

September 17th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa — The Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources reports that at around 7:30-p.m. Sunday, a collision occurred on Lake Manawa, between a boat and a personal watercraft (PWC). Both were leaving a 5 mph zone and gaining speed, going in the same direction, when the PWC made an abrupt right turn and collided with the front of the boat, according to witnesses. The PWC was driven by 20-year old Olum Sandel, of Offutt Air Force Base, and the boat was operated by 23-year old Rodney Smith, of Plattsmouth, Neb.

Smith was take to the Pottawattamie County Jail and charged with Boating While Intoxicated, first offense. Sandel was taken by the Council Bluffs Fire and Rescue to UNMC in Omaha where he is being treated for injuries sustained during the crash. The crash is under investigation by the Iowa DNR Law Enforcement Bureau, and was assisted by the DNR Parks Bureau and the Iowa State Patrol during the initial investigation.