Sheldon, Iowa — A 29-year old Le Mars man was taken to the hospital after a single vehicle rollover crash south of Sheldon Wednesday afternoon.
According to the Iowa State Patrol Crash Report, Omar Morales Martinez was northbound in the inside lane of Highway 60 near mile marker 29 in a 2009 Toyota pickup when he dropped the truck’s tires off the road onto the inside shoulder. The report says he then over-corrected, crossed back across the northbound lanes where the vehicle shifted sideways causing it to hit the east shoulder sideways. The truck then reportedly rolled over twice in the east ditch before coming to rest on its wheels.
Morales Martinez was transported to the Sanford Sheldon Medical Center by the Sheldon Community Ambulance Team for treatment of what the crash report describes as “minor” injuries.
The crash report says Morales Martinez told troopers that he was afraid there was something wrong with the truck while he was driving, which caused him to hit the inside shoulder and over-correct. The crash report indicates that the truck’s owner told authorities that the vehicle had been recently inspected, during which the Toyota mechanic had indicated there were possible issues with the vehicle’s front end differential. Troopers report that a mechanic with Morgan Collision & Tire looked at the vehicle, and stated, “It drove fine onto the the rollback truck.” The report says the Morgan’s mechanic said the truck made a noise while trying to turn, but he saw no issues with its performance.
Troopers reportedly ticketed Morales Martinez for Failure to Maintain Control. The vehicle was estimated by troopers to be a total loss.
