At approximately 7:15 PM Monday a two vehicle accident at the intersection of Hayes Drive and Highway 5 in Pleasantville sent four individuals to area hospitals. Sheriff Jason Sandholdt tells KNIA/KRLS News that a vehicle westbound on West Pleasant to Hayes Drive failed to yield at the intersection of Highway 5 where it collided with a southbound vehicle.

The Iowa State Patrol reports that the westbound vehicle was a 2001 Dodge Dakota pickup operated by Dylan Lathrum, 21, of Ankeny. Lathrum was broadsided as he failed to yield entering the intersection by a 2001 Dodge Ram Pickup driven by 17 year old Lauren Williams of Albia.

Williams was injured as were passengers Karl Plate, 16, and Cameran Jourdan, 15, also of Albia. Lathrum’s passenger, Chase Lathrum, 16, of Ankeny was transported by Mercy Helicopter. Southbound Highway 5 was closed for a brief period of time to allow Mercy helicopter to land and retrieve the patient.

The Iowa State Patrol also reports that the lives of all injured were saved by the use of seatbelts.

Pleasantville Police Chief Joe Mrstik tells KNIA/KRLS News that this kind of serious accident is one of the reasons that the speed limit on Highway 5 was recently lowered from 65mph to 55mph. Mrstik says “research has shown that the ten mile an hour difference in speed saves lives.”

Pleasantville Emergency Services, the Pleasantville Police Department, Knoxville Fire and Rescue, Hartford Fire and Rescue, Melcher Dallas Fire and Rescue, the Marion County Sheriff’s Department, and the Iowa State Patrol all responded to the scene. The Iowa State Patrol is continuing investigation into the accident.