Snowstorm Contributed to Chain-Reaction Accident on Highway 9

Your support keeps truth alive in Decorah—donate to local news today! The following car accident was reported by The Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday, February 19. On February 15 at 10:02 a.m., A snowplow was traveling west on Highway 9 in Winneshiek County, plowing the roads during a snowstorm. A vehicle, which was traveling east on Highway 9, slammed on its brakes as it met the plow. At the time, 51-year-old Jason Bye of Cresco, Iowa, was behind this vehicle, also traveling east, and also had to slam on his brakes. 38-year-old Elim Padilla of Lime Springs, Iowa was behind Bye. When Bye slammed on the vehicle's brakes, Padilla attempted to brake as well. However, he was unable to brake in time and rear-ended Bye, pushing his vehicle into the ditch. After Padilla's car struck Bye, it crossed the center line and into the opposite lane of traffic. 39-year-old Kerbie Dahlen was behind the snowplow at the time of the collision, and had been traveling west. When Padilla crossed the center line and entered the westbound lane of traffic, Dahlen attempted to swerve to avoid a collision. However, Padilla struck her car on the front passenger side. Total damages for the incident amounted to almost $14,000. Additionally, Padilla was cited for failure to provide proof of financial liability. Feed your curiosity! Subscribe to the free newsletter and indulge in all that's local. Your friends will be impressed.