RURAL CHARLES CITY – A Chevy truck struck an Amish buggy Tuesday afternoon on a rural road outside Charles City, and the 6 family members inside were all hurt and rushed to a local hospital.
According to the Iowa State Patrol, the accident took place on February 14, 2023. At about 3:40 PM that day, an Amish buggy with at least six person inside was traveling east at 3160 140th Street at Colwell, near Charles City. At this time and location, a 1998 Chevy 1500 pickup driven by 66-year-old Jim Whitmarsh was also traveling east on 140th Street. The pickup struck the rear of the buggy, causing the occupants to be ejected.
As a result of the accident, the driver of the buggy, 32-year-old Lavern Stauffer was injured. Also hurt were 27-year-old Teresa Stauffer and four children, ages 0, 2, 4, and 6. All six persons are from Charles City. They were taken to a local hospital by ambulance.
The accident remains under investigation.
