CALHOUN COUNTY, Iowa — A devastating two-vehicle crash on Saturday night claimed the lives of two people and left four others injured on Iowa Highway 7. The accident occurred at approximately 9:50 p.m., about three miles east of Mansion, according to the Iowa State Patrol.
Investigators reported that the collision happened when a westbound van crossed the center line of IA-7 and struck an eastbound truck head-on. The violent impact forced both vehicles off the roadway toward the northeast side. The van overturned onto its side in a ditch, while the truck continued forward, hitting a utility pole before coming to rest in a nearby field. The crash site required immediate response from multiple emergency agencies.
In the aftermath of the collision, authorities uncovered unusual and dangerous circumstances inside the van. Officials said three of the passengers had been seated on unrestrained patio furniture that had been purchased earlier in the day. The absence of proper vehicle seating and restraints is believed to have worsened the severity of the injuries. Safety experts noted that unsecured passengers face dramatically higher risks during high-impact crashes.
Two individuals inside the van were pronounced dead at the scene. They were identified as 26-year-old Alondra Bravo and 34-year-old Jorge Perez Hechavarria. Their sudden deaths have left families and friends grappling with an immense loss. Among the injured was an 8-year-old child transported by ambulance to a local hospital, while both drivers were also hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. A 46-year-old passenger required urgent medical care and was airlifted to a regional facility for treatment.
First responders from several agencies, including ambulance crews, fire personnel, and law enforcement, worked together to secure the crash site and stabilize victims. Utility crews were also dispatched to assess and repair damage after the truck struck a utility pole. The coordinated emergency response was critical in ensuring that survivors received immediate medical attention.
The Iowa State Patrol is continuing its investigation into what caused the van to veer into the oncoming lane. Possible factors under review include driver impairment, distraction, and road conditions. Authorities also emphasized the dangers of traveling without proper seating or restraints, highlighting how the use of patio furniture inside the van contributed to the devastating outcome. The tragedy has shaken Calhoun County, leaving the community mourning the loss of two lives while rallying around the injured as they begin their recovery.