Sanborn, Iowa — A two-vehicle crash southwest of Sanborn early Monday evening has claimed the life of a Melvin man, and sent two other people to the hospital.
According to the crash report from the Iowa State Patrol, the crash happened around 5:30 Monday night when a 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis, driven by 30-year old Benjamin Gruis, of Melvin, was south bound on Polk Avenue, and collided with a 2001 Dodge Dakota pickup, driven by 29-year old Dustin Engelkes, of Sheldon, who was westbound on 330th Street. Both vehicles reportedly came to rest in the ditch at the southwest corner of the intersection.
Troopers say standing corn on the northeast corner of the intersection, which is located 1 mile west and 1 mile south of the Sanborn Cemetery corner, obscured both drivers’ views.
Gruis was transported to the Sanford Sheldon Medical Center by Sanborn Ambulance, where he was pronounced dead. Engelkes, along with a passenger, 31-year old Kari Buckley, of Sheldon, were transported to the Sanford Sheldon Medical Center by Sanborn Ambulance. The extent of their injuries is not known.
The Iowa State Patrol was assisted at the scene by the O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office, Sanborn Police Department, Sanborn Fire and Ambulance, and Morgan Towing.
