CLEAR LAKE — Two people were taken to the hospital Wednesday morning after a crash at a rural Cerro Gordo County intersection near Clear Lake, authorities said.
The crash happened at about 7:05 AM on June 24, 2026, at 170th Street and Grouse Avenue.
According to the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, a gray 2021 Ford Edge driven by Gregg Wunder, 45, of Kanawha, was traveling east on 170th Street and attempting to make a left turn north onto Grouse Avenue.
Authorities said Wunder waited for one vehicle to pass but did not see a blue 2017 Freightliner semi driven by Phillip Gutierrez, 28, of Titonka, coming over the hill.
The Ford Edge struck the side of the semi and was sent spinning into the ditch on the west side of Grouse Avenue, where it came to rest on the driver’s side.
The sheriff’s office said Wunder and a 14-year-old passenger were able to get out of the vehicle before it became fully engulfed in flames.
Both Wunder and the juvenile passenger were transported to MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center for possible injuries. Gutierrez was not injured.
The crash remains under investigation by the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office.
Thornton Fire and Rescue, Mason City Fire Medics and the Iowa State Patrol assisted at the scene.