The Cass County Sheriff’s Department in western Iowa is offering more details about a packed van that rolled over early this morning (Friday) on Interstate 80. Authorities report the van that crashed just before one A.M. contained 19 Hispanic persons, the majority of whom ran away from the scene moments after it occurred. A small baby and young child were also found in the wreck, but there were no child restraints in the vehicle.
Rescue workers used thermal imaging devices to search for crash survivors. Sixteen of the individuals were found in the first four hours following the crash, and the last three were located about two-hours later, six-miles southeast of the accident scene. Sheriff Bill Sage says they were only wearing a thin, long-sleeved shirt. One female was taken to a local hospital and treated for a minor injury. The rest were taken to the Cass County Jail to be held for customs agents.