HENRY COUNTY — Four people, including a 5-year-old child, were injured early Friday when an SUV allegedly crossed into the path of a heavy-duty pickup pulling a horse trailer on a remote Iowa highway.
The crash happened at approximately 2:18 a.m. Friday, August 7, 2026, on southbound Highway 218 at School Avenue near mile marker 56.
According to the Iowa State Patrol, 45-year-old Rachel M. Vonwillard of Southaven, Mississippi, was driving a 2010 Volvo XC60 eastbound on School Avenue.
Investigators said Vonwillard left the stop sign and crossed the southbound lanes of Highway 218 before turning around in the median crossing.
The Volvo then traveled back across the southbound lanes and allegedly failed to yield to an approaching 2026 Ford F-450 driven by 41-year-old Pamela J. Twardowski of Swanville, Minnesota.
The Ford, which was pulling a horse trailer, slammed broadside into the Volvo.
The pickup and horse trailer traveled into the west ditch before coming to rest, while the Volvo stopped in the median.
Vonwillard and three passengers in the Volvo were injured:
Rachel M. Vonwillard, 45, of Southaven, Mississippi
Truly M. Vonwillard, 21, of Southaven, Mississippi
Skie L. Vonwillard, 24, of Southaven, Mississippi
Dexter J. Vining, 5, of Southaven, Mississippi
All four were transported by Henry County Ambulance to Henry County Hospital.
The State Patrol report indicates all four injured occupants were wearing seat belts and specifically notes that their seat belts saved their lives.
No injury was listed for Twardowski.
Both the Volvo and Ford were towed from the crash scene.
Multiple agencies assisted with the response.
The crash remains under investigation by the Iowa State Patrol.