(Le Mars) — Shortly before 8:00 a.m. this Monday morning, emergency rescue units were sent to the intersection of 1st Avenue Northwest and Second Street Northwest near the St. John’s Lutheran Church for a two-vehicle accident. According to the Le Mars Police Department Traffic Accident Report, Nancy Hasenbank was heading east bound on 2nd Street Northwest approaching the intersection driving a 2012 Chevy Traverse. Hasenbank stated she did not see the Dodge pickup truck heading southbound on 1st Avenue Northwest being driven by Richard Schietzelt. Police officers indicated in the traffic report the sun was bright, low in the clear sky, causing issues for east bound traffic. Hasenbank says the sun was blinding her. Hasenbank’s front bumper struck Schietzelt’s rear quarter panel. The pickup truck lost traction on what was a sandy surface and spun. As a result of the collision, the Dodge pickup truck rolled over on the driver’s side. Firefighters from the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department used their “Jaws of Life” to extricate Schietzelt of the pickup truck. Officials with the Le Mars Police Department indicate all the victims from both vehicles suffered only minor injuries. Schietzelt was cited for failing to yield to the vehicle on thr right at an uncontrolled intersection. The contents from the pickup truck’s cargo box were scattered as a result of the accident. Responding to the early morning accident were the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department, Le Mars Ambulance Services, Le Mars Police Department, and Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office.
