GRINNELL, Iowa – A 55-year-old North Carolina man died on June 19 after being struck by a tractor-trailer while assisting with roadside tire repairs on Interstate 80.
The accident occurred near milepost 184 in Poweshiek County at approximately 7:00 a.m.
Brenton Fergia was attempting to change a tire on a tractor-trailer hauling wind turbine components.
The Iowa State Patrol reports that Fergia was driving a pilot vehicle for the wind turbine transport. The tractor-trailer developed tire problems while traveling east and pulled to the shoulder. Fergia parked his pilot vehicle behind the disabled tractor-trailer and exited to assist with repairs.
A second eastbound tractor-trailer struck Fergia’s parked pilot vehicle. The impact pushed the pilot car into Fergia, causing critical injuries. Emergency services transported Fergia to a nearby hospital. He later succumbed to injuries.
The Iowa State Patrol continues investigating the accident. Officials have not released the name or age of the driver who struck the pilot vehicle.
Wind turbine transport operations typically require pilot vehicles to guide oversized loads. These escorts help navigate traffic and assist with equipment issues during transport.