Authorities Investigate Fatal Accident Near Westfield

(Le Mars) — On Friday, December 18th at approximately 11:16 p.m. the Plymouth County Communications Center received a 911 call regarding a fire in the ditch near 25133 Highway 12 near Westfield.  Ten to 15 minutes later additional callers state that there was a vehicle on fire also.  Akron Fire and Ambulance was paged and were in route along with Plymouth County Sheriff’s Deputies.

Upon emergency responder arriving at the scene, it was determined that there was a person inside the vehicle.  Plymouth County Medical Examiner, Dr. Sheila Holcomb was contacted along with a crash investigative team from the Plymouth County Sheriff’s office and the Le Mars Police Department.  The subject in the vehicle was deceased.

Investigators learned that this crash was a one vehicle incident, with the vehicle traveling north on Highway 12.  The driver lost control of the vehicle and entered the east ditch, eventually hitting a tree before coming to rest.  The vehicle then became engulfed in flames along with the surrounding ditch area.  It was determined that only one person was in the vehicle.

Due to the intense fire and the vehicle being fully engulfed, the subject could not be identified.  In addition, the vehicle license information was not available.

At the time of this news release, investigators have not been able to identify the remains.  He has been transported to the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office in Ankeny, Iowa.

Investigators were assisted by the Iowa State Patrol, Rexwinkel Funeral Home, and Stockton Towing.