(Waterloo, Iowa) – A car traveling the wrong way on Highway 218 in Waterloo early this (Friday) morning, collided head-on with a semi tractor trailer. The accident happened at around 2:15-a.m. at mile marker 185. The Iowa State Patrol reports the 2013 Dodge Charger driven by 26-year-old Jordan Welch, of Waterloo, was traveling south in the northbound lanes when it struck a 2020 Freightliner semi, driven by 50-year-old Ray Mount, of Manly (IA). As a result of the impact, the car became engulfed in fire.

The semi was forced through the concrete median barrier and into the southbound lanes of Highway 218. Welch was flown by AirCare helicopter to the UIHC in Iowa City. The crash remains under investigation. The Patrol was assisted at the scene by Waterloo Police, Fire & EMS, Iowa DOT Motor Vehicle Enforcement personnel, the Iowa DOT and a wrecker service.