News : Several hurt in accident on Highway 30

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a two car collision which occurred on August 18, 2010 at 9:20 AM.

The collision was .6 mile east of 21st Ave. on 73rd St. (Highway 30) a two lane road.

Kevin Landis age 18 from Cedar Rapids was driving his 1993 Buick LeSabre west on 73rd St. Hilary Erickson age 18 of Cedar Rapids was a passenger. Ashley Graves age 22 from Alburnett was driving her 1998 Plymouth Van east on 73rd St. Graves two children, ages: 7.5 months and 3 and Grave’s niece age: 2 were passengers in the van.

The preliminary investigation shows that Graves crossed the center line into the westbound lane striking Landis head on.

Both drivers had to be extricated from their vehicles using the Jaws of Life and other rescue equipment.

All six victims were transported to Hospitals in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City with what appears to be non life threatening injuries. Highway 30 was closed for almost two hours.

The use of seatbelts and child restraints in both vehicles probably saved lives and certainly reduced the severity of injuries.

Van Horne First Responders and Fire; Blairstown Ambulance and Fire; Belle Plaine Ambulance; North Benton Ambulance; Area Ambulance; Air Care; Sheriff’s Rescue and the State Patrol assisted at the scene.