A Halbur trucker was unharmed in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 29 in Monona County Monday evening that seriously injured the other driver. According to the Iowa State Patrol, the collision occurred at approximately 10:09 p.m. Authorities say a 2012 Honda Accord, driven by 45-year-old David Martinez of Sioux Falls, S.D., had stopped in the right lane with no headlights or brake lights active. A southbound 2024 International semi-tractor trailer, operated by 53-year-old David Chumbley of Halbur, came upon the vehicle and unsuccessfully attempted to avoid a collision. The semi struck the Martinez Honda, pushing it off the interstate into the west ditch. Chumbley did not report any serious injuries, but Martinez was airlifted to the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in Omaha with severe injuries. The Monona County Sheriff’s Office and Monona County Emergency Medical Services assisted the Iowa State patrol at the scene. Authorities note Martinez was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
