(Cherokee County, IA) – A rollover accident early Saturday morning in northwest Iowa, claimed the life of one teen and resulted in three others being injured. All of the juveniles were male. The Iowa State Patrol reports the single-vehicle accident happened at around 2:30-a.m. on westbound Cherokee County Road C66, just west of J Avenue.
The report said the 16-year-old driver of a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix lost control of the car for reasons unknown. The vehicle entered the north ditch, rolled over, struck a utility pole and came to rest, before it caught on fire.
A 15-year-old passenger in the car from Cushing (IA) died at the scene. A 16-year passenger from Cherokee suffered serious injuries and was flown by Wings AirMed to the Sanford Medical Center. A 14-year old passenger in the vehicle from Washta (IA) and the driver – who was from Cherokee – suffered minor injuries and were transported to the hospital in Cherokee by Cherokee EMS. Both were later released from the facility. The Patrol said three of the four teens were wearing their seat belts.
On Facebook, The Cherokee Community School District says the accident involved students from their school district and the River Valley Community School District, in Correctionville. Officials with the River Valley Community School District said in a Facebook post, “A former River Valley student, who recently had enrolled in the Cherokee CSD, did not survive injuries from an automobile accident.” Both school districts say they will continue with their normal schedules on Monday, and counselors will be available at both schools for students and staff who need support and guidance.
The Patrol’s report did not indicate if charges will be filed.
