RURAL CERRO GRODO COUNTY – A multi-vehicle accident has been reported south of Mason City on the Avenue of the Saints, with a possible fatality.
A Department of Transportation road maintainer was grading the south shoulder of eastbound Highway 18 (Avenue of the Saints) when it was struck from behind by a Dodge Caravan. The Caravan came to rest in the eastbound lanes of the road, blocking traffic. There were two occupants in the Caravan; at least one had to be extracted once emergency responders arrived. The driver, Avonell Ross, age 69 of Charles City, was airlifted to Mercy Hospital while the passenger, Tom Frerichs of Charles City, died at the scene. The operator of the road maintainer was not seriously injured.
