Baxter truck driver involved in fatal accident near Belle Plaine

BELLE PLAINE — A fatal car accident Friday afternoon involving a Baxter semi truck driver, which killed four people, is still under investigation Monday.

According to a report issued by the Iowa State Patrol, 54-year-old Max D. Gauch of Baxter, broadsided a Chevrolet Impala driven by 68-year-old William C. Willis of San Antonio at the intersection of Highway 30 and Highway 21 north of Belle Plaine. The car's driver and the three passengers were pronounced dead at the scene.

The report indicates that Willis was traveling southbound on Highway 21 through a controlled intersection when his vehicle was struck by the semi truck around 4:43 p.m. The passengers killed were identified as 65-year-old Linda F. Willis of San Antonio, 89-year-old George A. Eggers and 88-year-old Delorise L Smith-Eggers, both of Memphis, Mo.

Benton and Tama County Sheriff's department, Bell Plaine police and Iowa Department of Transportation maintenance workers assisted the ISP deputy at the accident site.

Contact Mike Mendenhall at mmendenhall@jaspercountytribune.com