Motorist Charged After Escaping an Accident and Vehicle Fire

An Eastern Iowa motorist was able to escape his burning vehicle following a rollover accident early this morning.(Monday, Sept. 9)

Shortly after 2am, authorities received a report of a vehicle fire, southeast of Atkins in rural Linn County.

A vehicle driven by 23 year old Nicholas Dukes of Cedar Rapids, went out of control on Sisley Grove Road, travelling into the east and west ditches multiple times, going through a corn field, and striking a ditch.

Dukes' vehicle became stuck; as he was trying to drive out of the field, the vehicle overheated and caught fire.

Dukes was able to walk away from the accident; he was taken to St. Luke's Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.

The Linn County Sheriff is charging Dukes with Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated, and Failure to Maintain Control of his Vehicle.