OLLIE — An 83-year-old Iowa man was killed and another driver injured after a two-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon in a remote location sent both vehicles into a ditch.
The fatal collision happened at approximately 2:45 p.m. on October 1, 2026, at 270th Avenue and 335th Street near Ollie, Iowa in Keokuk county.
According to the Iowa State Patrol, Phillip J. Blackhurst, 83, of Sigourney was driving a 2017 Ram ProMaster northbound on 270th Avenue behind a 2013 GMC Sierra driven by Steven J. Greiner, 65, of Packwood.
Pickup was slowing to turn
Investigators said Greiner was slowing to make a right turn onto 335th Street when Blackhurst’s Ram struck the rear of the GMC.
The impact sent both vehicles into the southbound ditch, where they came to rest.
Blackhurst suffered fatal injuries in the crash.
He was wearing a seat belt, but the State Patrol report indicates it did not save his life. His body was transported to the State Medical Examiner.
Second driver taken to hospital
Greiner was injured in the collision and was transported by Keokuk County Ambulance to Keokuk County Hospital.
He was also wearing a seat belt. The crash report indicates the restraint was credited with saving his life.
Both vehicles were towed from the scene by RPM Towing.
Multiple agencies respond
The Iowa State Patrol said multiple police, fire and EMS agencies assisted at the crash scene.
Trooper Crouse of Iowa State Patrol Post 13 investigated the collision.
The report does not indicate that charges had been filed, and the investigation remains subject to further review.
Blackhurst’s death adds to Iowa’s 2026 traffic fatality toll. The Iowa Department of Transportation notes that current fatality totals are preliminary and can change as investigations are completed.