Failure to stop at intersection causes multi-vehicle accident

OLDS — A multi-vehicle crash Friday afternoon, May 2, at the intersection of Highway 218 and Highway 78 South north of Mt. Pleasant sent two women to the hospital and temporarily shut down northbound traffic, authorities said.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a report of the accident just before 2 p.m. that day near the town of Olds. Emergency crews including Henry County EMS, the Iowa State Patrol, and fire departments from Olds, Wayland, and Winfield responded to the scene.

According to documents filed with Iowa Courts Online, Terri Hester-Mathews, 46, of Winfield, failed to obey a stop sign and yield the right of way as she approached the intersection in a 2008 silver Lincoln MKX SUV. Information about the other vehicle involved in the collision was not available at presstime.

Family members confirmed Hester-Mathews’ involvement in the accident along with another vehicle occupant, her mother Mary Hester. Both were transported to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City for injuries.

“They were both alert and talking when taken to Iowa City,” Hester-Mathews’ wife Kimberly Hester-Mathews informed their concerned family, friends, and neighbors.

On Saturday, May 3, Kimberly Hester-Mathews provided an update on their conditions.

“Terri was released last night and we are at home resting as much as she can but in a lot of pain because the truck hit her side,” Kimberly wrote.

According to the update Terri suffered a hematoma on the left side of her head and “lots of bruising.” Her mother, Mary, remains in the hospital with four fractures in her spine.

“As I reflect on my day, I sit and say a prayer of gratitude,” Kimberly shared the day after the accident. “Yesterday, my life took an unexpected turn, and I'm reminded that every day is a gift to cherish my partner, my wife, my love, my better half, and our children. Holding hands, sharing kisses, and experiencing life's joys together is a blessing. Life's journey can be challenging, yet I'm grateful for the love that surrounds me everyday.”

Kimberly further expressed gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and support for her family. Both Kimberly and Terri ask for continued prayers during this time of healing.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com