Hartley, Iowa — A Hartley man was injured as the result of an early Friday morning traffic crash east of Hartley.
According to the O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred shortly before 6:00 am Friday, when a 2001 Buick Regal, driven by 45-year-old David Lee Walker of Hartley, was eastbound on Highway 18 near Wilson Avenue, east of Hartley. Walker reportedly told deputies that he reached for something in the car and lost control, crossing the center line into the path of a 2007 Kenworth semi-tractor and trailer, driven by 48-year-old Tyler John Fada of Milford. Fada told deputies that he attempted to swerve out of Walker’s way when he saw the car crossing the center line, but was unable to avoid the collision.
Following the crash, a westbound 2015 Chevrolet Colorado pickup, driven by 68-year-old Jeffrey Allen Zernechel of Hartley came upon the scene and struck crash debris on the highway, disabling the pickup’s steering.
Walker was taken by the Hartley Ambulance to the Spencer Hospital for treatment of his injuries. Both Fada and Zernechel escaped injury.
Deputies say Walker’s Buick was totaled in the crash, with Fada’s semi sustaining about $65,000 in damage, and Zernechel’s pickup receiving an estimated $2,000 in damage.
