According to the West Des Moines Police Department, the incident began around 1:17 PM following reports of a vehicle traveling the wrong way near the EP True Parkway overpass. Investigators determined that Minh Thi, 80, of West Des Moines, was driving northbound in the southbound lanes when he struck two other vehicles.
First responders confirmed that Thi was fatally injured in the crash. The drivers of the other two vehicles involved were transported to local hospitals with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
The collision forced a multi-hour closure of Interstate 35 southbound, with traffic diverted at the west mixmaster while the West Des Moines Police Traffic and Identification Units processed the scene.
While the investigation into the circumstances of the crash is ongoing, police officials stated that no charges are expected to be filed at this time.