CLAY COUNTY, IA (Northwestiowanow) — A rear-end crash along U.S. Highway 71 led to one person being injured Wednesday morning.

According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the collision happened near the 4600-mile marker on U.S. Highway 71 around 5:37 a.m. Wednesday, April 28, where traffic was stopped at a temporary signal for bridge construction.  Authorities say 24-year-old Hunter Wilson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was traveling southbound in a 2026 Kia Sportage when he failed to slow down and struck a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado.

The pickup was driven by 43-year-old Justin Kingery of Cresco, who was legally stopped at the signal.  Kingery was not injured. Wilson suffered minor injuries and was taken to Spencer Municipal Hospital for treatment. Damage to the Silverado is estimated at $5,000, while the Kia sustained approximately $30,000 in damage and was declared a total loss.  Wilson was cited for failure to stop with an assured clear distance.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Sioux Rapids Fire Department and the Spencer Ambulance Crew.