MASON CITY — Two elderly Garner residents were taken to a Mason City hospital after a teenage driver allegedly turned a pickup truck across their path Wednesday afternoon, causing a collision just outside the city.
The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office responded to the intersection of 265th Street and Lark Avenue at approximately 3:12 p.m. on August 12, 2026.
Investigators said 84-year-old Marlys Hefte of Garner was driving west on 265th Street in a gray 2012 Nissan Rogue.
Her passenger was 86-year-old Bernard Korsa, also of Garner.
At the same time, 17-year-old Audrina Bonjour of Belmond was traveling east on 265th Street in a white 2011 Ford F-150.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the Nissan had the right of way and was not facing a traffic-control device.
Bonjour allegedly attempted to turn left from 265th Street and head north, taking the Ford pickup across the path of the westbound Nissan. Authorities said the pickup failed to enter the westbound traffic safely and the two vehicles collided in the intersection.
Bonjour sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene. She declined further medical treatment.
Hefte and Korsa reported pain and possible injuries following the collision. Mason City Fire Department ambulance personnel transported both occupants to the MercyOne emergency room for further evaluation.
Authorities said the occupants were using seat belts and airbags deployed during the crash.
The collision occurred only about one mile from another recent accident along Lark Avenue. In May, NIT reported that a driver suffered an airbag-related injury in a two-vehicle collision at 255th Street and Lark Avenue.
The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate Wednesday’s collision. The department identified the incident as case No. CG2600773.
Mason City Fire Department personnel assisted deputies at the scene.