Miraculously, no one was seriously injured.
By Edward Lynn
Editor
EAGLE GROVE, Iowa — A collision involving two vehicles resulted in a fiery crash on 270th Street west of Baxter Avenue in Wright County on January 7, 2025. No injuries were reported.
According to the Iowa State Patrol, the accident occurred at approximately 1:35 p.m. when a 2012 Lincoln MKZ driven by Adele J. Butterfield, 21, of Badger, slowed down due to smoke from ditch work on the northbound side of 270th Street. Following behind, a 2022 Chevrolet Express G2500 FedEx delivery van driven by Earl R. Busch, 55, of Boone, was unable to see Butterfield’s vehicle through the fog and smoke and rear-ended it.
The impact pushed Butterfield’s vehicle into the ditch, where it caught fire. Butterfield and a passenger were able to exit the vehicle safely. Neither Busch nor Butterfield sustained injuries. Both drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
Damage to Busch’s vehicle was reported as functional, with an estimated repair cost of $3,500. Butterfield’s vehicle was severely damaged and totaled, with an estimated loss of $10,000. The Eagle Grove Police Department, Eagle Grove EMS, and the Eagle Grove Fire Department responded to the crash, as well as the Wright County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa State Patrol.
Authorities reported that weather conditions were clear with dry road surfaces at the time of the accident. Visibility was hindered by fog and smoke. No citations have been issued as of this report.
The Iowa State Patrol continues to investigate the incident.
