News : Deer on roadway led to semi-trailer overturn

Benton County authorities continue to investigate this semi roll-over accident.

County road crews replaced a sign knocked over by the semi.

A semi overturned south of Urbana on 32nd Ave., Monday morning.

Benton County road crews began Tuesday morning by replacing the curve warning signs on 32nd Avenue south of 59th Street, between Urbana and Shellsburg.

The driver of a semi from Illinois-based Black Horse Carriage, Inc., lost control on that curve yesterday while heading north. The truck left the roadway and overturned in the steep ditch. Benton County Sheriff Randy Forsyth said one or perhaps two cranes will be required to extract the semi from the ditch. The investigation into the wreck continues.

The Sheriff's Office issued this statement Wednesday:

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is investigation a single vehicle accident that occurred 5 miles south of Urbana on 32 avenue around 9:25 AM Monday January 9.

Jonnie C Etter age 50 from Geneseo, Ill was driving a seeming tractor trailer north bound on the county blacktop when two deer ran across his path. Etter startled by the action dropped off onto the shoulder of the roadway as he entered a sweeping left curve. Etter was able to keep the tractor on the roadway but the van trailer slid off into a very steep east ditch. The trailer pulled the semi-tractor off the road into the ditch where it rolled onto its side and top. The driver who was wearing his seat belt was transported to St. Lukes Hospital in Cedar Rapids by Center Point Ambulance where he was treated and released that afternoon with minor injuries.

The vehicle was a 2012 Freightliner owned by Ryder Leasing received substantial damage. The semi was partially loaded with groceries at the time. Total damage to the truck and contents was estimated at $200,000.00. The blacktop was closed most of Tuesday afternoon as Coonrod Wrecker & Crane Service of Cedar Rapids spent that time removing the semi from the steep ditch with two cranes.

Assisting at the scene was Center Point Ambulance, Shellsburg Fire Department and Shellsburg First Responders.