Two Killed in Highway 20 Wrong-Way Crash Near Webster City, WEBSTER CITY, IOWA — Two drivers were killed Wednesday following a head-on collision on U.S. Highway 20 near Webster City after a vehicle entered the westbound lanes traveling in the wrong direction.
According to the Webster City Police Department, the crash occurred shortly after noon when a car began traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of the highway. Authorities say officers and deputies attempted to intercept the vehicle after reports were received, but the collision happened before emergency responders could reach the scene.
Officials confirmed that the wrong-way vehicle struck an oncoming westbound vehicle head-on. Both drivers were the only occupants in their respective vehicles.
One driver was transported to Van Diest Medical Center in Webster City for emergency treatment but later died from injuries sustained in the crash. The second driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
Hamilton County Sheriff Alex Pruismann described the crash location as being just about a mile from the Webster City exit, noting the severity and speed at which the incident unfolded. He also emphasized the challenges responders faced due to heavy traffic in the area.
Westbound lanes of U.S. Highway 20 were shut down for several hours as emergency crews worked at the scene and investigators documented evidence. Traffic was diverted at a nearby exit, leading to significant backups stretching for miles during the closure period.
Multiple agencies assisted in the response, including the Webster City Police Department, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Webster City Fire Department, Iowa Department of Transportation, the Hamilton County Medical Examiner’s Office, and Van Diest Medical Center.
The identities of both drivers have not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin. Authorities say the crash remains under active investigation as they work to determine how the vehicle entered the wrong side of the highway.
