Glenwood Man Recovering From Hwy. 34 Accident Injuries

A 40-year-old Glenwood man is recovering from multiple injuries sustained in a three-vehicle collision April 12 on Highway 34 in central Mills County.

According to an Iowa State Patrol report, Jeremy Marvel was driving a 2007 Chevrolet pickup truck in the eastbound lane of Highway 34, preparing to make a left turn near 288th St. A second eastbound vehicle, a 2014 Volkswagon Golf, driven by 41-year-old Julia Nelson of Red Oak, attempted to take evasive action by braking and passing Marvel’s vehicle on the right. Subsequently, an eastbound semitrailer truck driven by 60-year-old Keith Ratkovec of Brainard, Neb., struck the Marvel and Nelson vehicles from the rear, pushing both vehicles into a roadside ditch.

Marvel was trapped in his vehicle and had to be extricated by emergency responders. He sustained serious injuries and was transported by medical helicopter to the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Nelson and Ratkovec were not injured, according to the report.

Katy Marvel said her husband’s injuries include a fractured arm and vertebrae, a concussion and multiple cuts and bruises. He was wearing a seat belt, but the impact to the rear of his vehicle failed to deploy his airbag.

Jeremy Marvel underwent surgery Monday for his fractured arm and is expected to be released from the hospital this week. His recovery will likely take weeks, Katy Marvel said.

A spokesperson for the Iowa State Patrol said Tuesday the accident is still under investigation. Ratkovec has been ticketed for an “hours of service” violation for failing to comply with Motor Vehicle Safety Rules for professional motor carriers outlined in the state code. The state rules, based on criteria established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, regulate the number of consecutive hours a professional driver can be in service. The rules also address proper log book procedures.