Traffic accidents claimed at least seven lives in Iowa over the long Thanksgiving weekend. Scott Falb, with the Iowa Department of Transportation, says another incident could raise the death toll to eight.
“We’re not sure if that one will qualify as a traffic fatality yet, so we’re waiting for more information,” Falb said. The fatal accidents between Wednesday and Sunday occurred in Polk, Cerro Gordo, Worth, Harrison, Montgomery and Sioux Counties. Falb says at least three of the accidents happened last Wednesday and are blamed on icy roads.
Ten people were killed in traffic crashes over the Thanksgiving period last year. “We have been at or near double digits most of the last five years,” Falb said. The last time Iowa recorded fewer than seven traffic deaths over Thanksgiving was 2004, when there were two.
The crash in Montgomery County happened Sunday night and claimed the lives of two children. They’re identified as 5-year-old Maliki Todd and 4-year-old Alex Todd, both of Cumberland. Two adults were badly injured in the crash.
Authorities say the fatal crash in Sioux County may’ve involved alcohol. A South Dakota man died in that crash when his vehicle left Highway 10 and ended up on its top in a river embankment.