News : Poisonous gases suspected in rural county death

A suspicious vehicle was reported Sunday at the roadside park on highway 218 north of the 218 & 8 junction south of La Porte City in Benton County.

Upon investigation it was determined that there may be hazardous chemicals in the vehicle.

LaPorte City Fire and Ambulance were dispatched to the scene. Linn County Hazmat was subsequently contacted.

Linn County Hazmat removed items from the vehicle. Traffic was re-routed on highway 218 for a period of time while items were removed. Departments were on scene for approximately 5 ½ hours.

One body was found inside the vehicle; the deceased was a 46 year old male from Waterloo. The driver had placed signs warning passers-by to stay away from the vehicle, due to dangerous chemicals. Authorities had not yet determined what chemicals those were by Monday afternoon.