Riceville Man Airlifted After Semi Accident

The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier

Tools

Story Created: Jul 4, 2012 at 6:59 AM CDT

Story Updated: Jul 4, 2012 at 7:23 AM CDT

RICEVILLE, Iowa — Kevin Christensen, 42, of Riceville was injured Tuesday afternoon when a semi-truck struck the John Deere Tractor he was operating while mowing the shoulder of a rural highway.

According to law-enforcement officials, Christensen was traveling northbound while mowing the shoulder of County Highway T68, when his vehicle was struck by a truck driven by Jay Hardecopf, 45, who also was traveling northbound.

The collision caused the tractor to roll and trap Christensen underneath, police said.

Riceville Fire and Ambulance, as well as members of the Howard County Sheriff's Office, were called to the scene.

Christensen was flown to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Details about his condition were not available late Tuesday night, but reports indicated that seat belts played a role in saving his life.