With the first snowfall of the season Saturday across much of Iowa, a number of accidents happened in Washington County. At approximately 3:14 p.m. an accident on Highway 218 near 160th Street near Riverside included a vehicle rolling and coming to rest on its side in the roadway. One subject was transported to the University of Iowa hospital by ambulance. Washington County Sheriff’s personnel, Iowa State Patrol, Washington County Ambulance, Riverside Fire and Riverside QRS responded to the scene. Multiple accidents and vehicles in the ditch were reported simultaneously.

At about 3:45 p.m., another rollover accident was reported in the 1000 block of Highway 218 near Riverside and a subject was transported to the University of Iowa hospital by ambulance. A car rolled and Washington County Sheriff’s personnel, Riverside QRS and Washington County Ambulance responded to the scene.

At 4:48 p.m., a two-vehicle collision was reported on Highway 92 at the Louisa Washington County Line Road. A semi and van collided and one person was reportedly trapped. The van was driving by 82-year-old Kenneth Leon Gillispie of Mt. Pleasant and the semi was operated by 39-year-old John Lewis Merriweather II of Hanceville, Alabama. Gillispie was transported by Washington County Ambulance to the University of Iowa hospital. The van was westbound on Highway 92 and lost control on the snow covered road and then entered the eastbound lane, striking the semi head on. The van came to rest in the north ditch of Highway 92 and the semi came to rest south of Highway 92 in a bean field. Iowa State Patrol, Washington County Sheriff’s personnel, Washington County Ambulance, Ainsworth Fire and Rescue and Columbus Junction Police Department responded to the scene.

In total, there were 10 reported accidents in Washington County in approximately seven hours.

Additional accidents included:
– A two-vehicle collision with no injuries at East Washington Street and South 6th Avenue in Washington at approximately 3:17 p.m.
– A second accident at 160th Street and Highway 218 near Riverside, with two vehicles striking each other and leaving the scene at approximately 3:38 p.m.
– A two vehicle accident in Washington at East Washington Street and South 2nd Avenue at approximately 3:48 p.m. Damage to vehicles was under $1,500.
– A three-vehicle wreck was reported on the southbound ramp of Highway 218 in Ainsworth happened at 3:51 p.m. No injuries were reported.
– At 6:42 p.m., a truck was reported on its side near Keota at 250th Street and Buckeye Avenue. No injuries were reported, Washington County Sheriff’s personnel responded to the accident.
– At 10:26 p.m. a truck reportedly rolled at 250th Street and Fir Avenue. No injuries were reported. Washington County Sheriff’s personnel responded to the scene and the driver was gone prior to officers’ arrival.