WAYNE COUNTY — Three people were hospitalized after a car left U.S. Highway 65 near mile marker 2 and rolled late Friday night, according to the Iowa State Patrol.
What happened
The patrol reported the single-vehicle crash occurred about 11:45 p.m. when a 2013 Nissan Maxima went off the roadway and into the east ditch. The car rolled and came to rest upright. All three occupants were ejected from the vehicle, and none were wearing seat belts at the time of the collision, officials said.
Injuries and response
Officials identified two of the injured as 18-year-old Cameron Peterson of Chariton and 18-year-old Chase Williams of Chariton; a third occupant was identified as 18-year-old Hyzer Arnold of Russell. Peterson was flown to a hospital by MercyOne Air. Arnold and Williams were taken to a hospital by Wayne County EMS. The patrol listed the vehicle’s driver as unknown in its report.
Investigation and safety reminder
The crash remains under investigation by the Iowa State Patrol. Authorities have not released information about the officers' determination of contributing factors such as speed, impairment, or mechanical issues.
- Location: U.S. Highway 65 near mile marker 2, Wayne County
- Vehicle: 2013 Nissan Maxima
- Time: About 11:45 p.m., Friday
- Occupants ejected: Three; none were wearing seat belts
Seat belt use is required under Iowa law and is widely recognized by safety experts as one of the most effective ways to prevent ejection and reduce serious injury in crashes. Local emergency responders from Wayne County assisted at the scene; additional investigative steps may include interviewing witnesses, reviewing any available camera or cellphone footage, and reconstructing the crash.
| Occupant | Age | Residence | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cameron Peterson | 18 | Chariton | MercyOne Air |
| Hyzer Arnold | 18 | Russell | Wayne County EMS |
| Chase Williams | 18 | Chariton | Wayne County EMS |
As investigators continue their work, officials have not released the condition of the injured beyond that they were taken to hospitals. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the Iowa State Patrol. The incident underscores continuing concerns about seat belt compliance and nighttime driving safety on rural highways across Iowa.
