Sheldon, Iowa — A Sheldon man was seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash east of Sheldon Tuesday morning.
According to the Iowa State Patrol, the mishap occurred about 10:15 Tuesday morning when a 2019 Ram pickup, driven by 73-year-old Clifford Jansma, of Sheldon, was eastbound on Highway 18 and had stopped for oncoming traffic before turning left onto Oak Hill Avenue. Troopers say a 2014 Chevrolet Sonic, driven by 84-year-old Ronald Tanner, of Sheldon, was eastbound behind the Jansma pickup when he was reportedly distracted by the high winds blowing his small car around, and struck the rear of Jansma’s pickup.
Both Tanner and Jansma were taken by SCAT to the Sanford Sheldon Medical Center, with Tanner being transferred to a Sioux Falls hospital with what the accident report describes as “critical injuries”. Jansma was treated and released.
Damage to Jansma’s pickup was estimated at $50,000, with an estimated $15,000 damage to Tanner’s car.
Troopers say Tanner was cited for Failure to Stop in an Assured Clear Distance.
The Sheldon Community Ambulance Team, Sheldon Fire Company, Sheldon EMA, Sheldon Police Department and O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene.
