Police-lights-300x192An accident on Interstate 35 last night south of Des Moines claimed a life.

The state patrol says the crash happened about 6:15 P.M. in the construction zone near Martensdale where I-35 traffic is down to two just lanes.

Troopers say a car driven by 51-year-old Shawn Ballard of St. Charles went out of control and crossed the divider, striking an oncoming semi-truck head-on. Ballard was killed.

Another motorist was injured. The truck driver wasn’t hurt. Traffic was backed up for miles.