Authorities say the man responsible for Wednesday’s traffic crash in Tama County that sent 35 people to the hospital was involved in another crash earlier in the day. The crash happened at 11:30 a.m. on Highway 30. Authorities say 79-year-old Ronald Kitch of Cedar Rapids was driving a car that crossed the centerline and hit a WindStar tour bus, which overturned in a ditch.
State Patrol Trooper Doug Cutts says the bus was taking dozens of senior citizens to Meskwaki Casino. "The bus was full of occupants. Those walking wounded were taken into the casino for triage, where they were treated and then transported to a hospital in Marshalltown," Cutts said.
A total of 35 people were sent to the hospital. Kitch’s injuries were the most severe. He was reported in critical condition. Authorities say Kitch had run into a pole in Tama earlier in the day, leading them to believe a medical condition may have played a role in the bus crash.