IW students transported to hospital after minibus crashes near Des Moines

MITCHELLVILLE — Emergency crews transported four Iowa Wesleyan University to local Des Moines hospitals after their minibus flipped onto its side just east of Des Moines Wednesday morning.

According to Iowa Wesleyan University President Christine Plunkett, a University faculty member drove the minibus with seven university student passengers on their way to LGBTQ Day on the Hill.

Shortly after 9 a.m., Polk County Sheriff Office’s Captain Ryan Evans responded to the accident on Highway 163 just east of Des Moines.

“Preliminary details indicate that the driver lost control and overcorrected,” Evans said. “What caused the driver to lose control is still under investigation.”

“Iowa Wesleyan is grateful that our students and faculty who were involved in a vehicle accident this morning only sustained minor injuries,” Plunkett stated in a news release.

According to the IW news release, emergency personnel transported four students to local Des Moines hospitals.

"ALL our students have been treated and released,“ Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing & Communications Meg Richtman said just before 3 p.m. Wednesday.

“We are appreciative of the first responders and medical staff who cared for our students,” Plunkett said.

At the scene, Evans observed broken windows on the minibus, but did not know the full extent of damage.

Crews righted the bus and it towed from the scene of the accident.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com