WAPELLO COUNTY, Iowa — The Wapello County Sheriff's Office says a construction worker was hit by a vehicle Monday afternoon.
According to a release, officials responded just before 4 p.m. to the 24000 block of Highway 34, which is just over a mile south of Munterville, to a reported crash involving injuries. During an investigation, officials found a vehicle had hit a construction worker.
The construction worker was airlifted from the scene and taken to a hospital. Their condition is unknown at this time, the sheriff's office says.
The sheriff's office also did not release the names of the driver or construction worker. Officials did say more information will be shared later.
Deputies, fire crews, and medical personnel remained on Highway 34 for an extended period as investigators documented the scene and cleared debris. Traffic in the area was temporarily slowed while emergency helicopters landed and first responders provided immediate care to the injured worker.
Authorities have not yet detailed how the collision occurred or whether weather, visibility, or work-zone conditions played a role. The stretch of Highway 34 where the incident happened is frequently used by commuters and commercial traffic, and construction zones can create narrow lanes and shifting patterns that require extra caution.
The sheriff’s office said investigators are reviewing witness statements and any available dash-camera or surveillance footage. Officials emphasized that the inquiry remains active and that updates will be released once next of kin have been notified and additional facts are confirmed.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of road construction crews across Iowa. Transportation officials routinely remind drivers to slow down, obey flaggers, and avoid distractions when passing through work areas. State data in recent years has shown dozens of crashes annually involving workers or equipment in marked construction zones.
Local residents near Munterville said the highway often carries heavy truck traffic in the late afternoon, coinciding with the time of Monday’s crash. Community members expressed hope for the worker’s recovery as the investigation continues.
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Law enforcement reiterated that motorists should treat any active roadway project with heightened awareness. Even when speed limits are not reduced, drivers are encouraged to maintain extra distance, expect sudden stops, and watch for workers entering or exiting lanes.
No charges have been filed, and it is unclear whether citations will be issued pending the outcome of the investigation. The Iowa State Patrol may assist with crash reconstruction if needed. The sheriff’s office said it plans to release additional details, including the condition of the injured worker, when they become available.
Community members seeking updates are encouraged to follow official Wapello County Sheriff’s Office channels.
Originally reported by Rachel Wente in We Are Iowa.
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