RURAL DICKINSON COUNTY – On April 7, 2024 at around 12:56am, the DCSO received a call in reference to an accident involving two vehicles at the intersection of Highway 71 and 260th St.
Richard Swanson, age 76 of Spirit Lake, was northbound on Highway 71 driving a 2018 Toyota Highlander when he came up to a Polaris Ranger that was also northbound. Swanson went to pass the Polaris Ranger. As Swanson was passing, the driver of the Polaris Ranger attempted to make a turn to go west on 260th St. The Polaris Ranger crossed in front of Swanson. Swanson was unable to avoid colliding with the UTV. Both vehicles came to rest at the intersection of Highway 71 and 260th St. Swanson did not report any injuries but his passenger, Marsha Swanson, complained of soreness in the chest.
The Polaris Ranger had two minors in the UTV. The driver was trapped in the UTV and was pulled out by Swanson and a passerby. The UTV then caught on fire and became fully engulfed. The driver sustained incapacitating injuries and the passenger was suspected of having serious injuries. Both minors were transported to the hospital by ambulance.
Both vehicles are considered totaled. The accident still remains under investigation.
The DCSO was assisted by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Spencer Police Department, Milford Police Department, Arnolds Park Police Department, Milford Fire Department, Lakes Regional Healthcare Ambulance, Terril Rescue, Dickinson County Communications Center, and the Iowa State Patrol.