WEBSTER CITY, Iowa — July 2, 2026 — Two drivers were killed Wednesday after a wrong-way driver collided head-on with another vehicle on U.S. Highway 20 near Webster City, according to the Webster City Police Department.
The crash occurred shortly after noon when a vehicle began traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of the highway. Authorities said officers and deputies were responding after receiving reports of the wrong-way vehicle and attempted to intercept it, but the collision occurred before emergency responders could reach the scene.
Investigators said the wrong-way vehicle struck an oncoming westbound vehicle head-on. Both vehicles were occupied only by their respective drivers.
One driver was transported to Van Diest Medical Center in Webster City, where they later died from injuries sustained in the collision. The second driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
Hamilton County Sheriff Alex Pruismann said the crash occurred approximately one mile from the Webster City exit. He noted the severity of the collision and the challenges emergency responders faced due to heavy traffic in the area.
Westbound lanes of U.S. Highway 20 remained closed for several hours while investigators processed the scene and crews cleared the wreckage. Traffic was diverted at a nearby exit, resulting in significant delays and backups extending for miles.
The response involved multiple agencies, including the Webster City Police Department, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Webster City Fire Department, the Iowa Department of Transportation, the Hamilton County Medical Examiner’s Office, and Van Diest Medical Center.
Authorities have not released the identities of either driver pending notification of their families.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to determine how the wrong-way vehicle entered the westbound lanes and what factors may have contributed to the fatal crash. Investigators are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact law enforcement.