Larchwood, Iowa — Six people were taken to Sioux Falls hospitals after an accident on Thursday evening near Larchwood.
The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office says that Lance Haugen of Glendive, Montana was driving a 2012 Ford Raptor Northbound on Beech Avenue, about four miles west of Larchwood, just a few minutes before 7:00 p.m., when he apparently failed to stop at the stop sign. Upon entering the intersection, he struck a 2021 Chevy Traverse being driven by Marvin Winkle of George. The deputy’s report says the front of the Haugen Ford made contact with the passenger side of the Winkle Chevy and sent them into the northeast ditch. The Haugen Ford rolled before coming to rest on the passenger side. The Chevy came to rest on a field driveway where it caught fire.
Of the six total occupants between the two vehicles, one was airlifted to Avera Sioux Falls while the other five were transported by Lyon County Ambulance and Larchwood Emergency Medical Service to Avera and Sanford hospitals in Sioux Falls.
The investigation into what caused the accident is still ongoing. The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office reports that the Larchwood Fire and GEMS, the Lyon County Ambulance Squad, Sanford Air Med personnel, and Trackside Towing assisted them.
They also released this statement, “A very special thanks and recognition needs to go out to off-duty Lennox Police officer Ismael Small, who went above and beyond the call of duty when he came across the accident seconds after it occurred. Small leapt into action and pulled four occupants out of a burning vehicle as well as pulled one occupant out of an overturned vehicle. Small stayed on scene with the injured parties and rendered care until emergency medical services arrived. Even after emergency services arrived, Small stayed on scene to assist with patient care. It is without a doubt that the heroic actions of Small saved the lives of all parties involved in the accident.”
