POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY, Iowa — A tragic accident along Interstate 880 claimed the lives of a man and a young child Sunday evening after they were struck by a pickup truck while standing in the median. The Iowa State Patrol confirmed that the victims, identified as 27-year-old Til Baswa and a 2-year-old child, both from Des Moines, were killed instantly in the heartbreaking collision.
Authorities said the incident occurred around 7 p.m. when Baswa and the child exited their vehicle following a deer strike that disabled their SUV in the middle of the roadway. The pair had moved to the median area for safety as they awaited assistance. Tragically, moments later, an eastbound pickup truck driven by 27-year-old Brody Barrier, of Neola, came upon the disabled SUV and attempted to avoid it.
According to investigators, Barrier swerved sharply to avoid colliding with the SUV, but his pickup veered into the median, where it struck Baswa and the child. Both victims sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the disabled SUV, identified as 47-year-old Om Neupane, also of Des Moines, was not injured in the incident. Authorities said the SUV itself was not struck during the crash.
Emergency personnel from the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa DOT, and other assisting agencies responded quickly to the scene. Interstate 880 was temporarily closed as first responders worked to secure the area, investigate the collision, and assist in recovery operations. The Iowa State Patrol led the on-site investigation, which continued for several hours into the night.
Officials have not reported any charges or citations at this time. Investigators are reviewing roadway conditions and other contributing factors, including lighting and visibility, to determine the exact circumstances that led to the tragedy. Authorities noted that the crash highlights the extreme danger faced by stranded motorists, even when they move away from disabled vehicles.
The community has been left deeply shaken by the loss, particularly given the young child’s death. The Iowa State Patrol extended its condolences to the victims’ family and reminded all motorists to exercise caution when encountering wildlife or disabled vehicles on highways, emphasizing the importance of calling for assistance and remaining inside the vehicle whenever possible.