Semi Rear-Ends SUV, Sends One to Hospital

A semi tractor-trailer loaded with construction materials, could not stop in time and rear-ended an SUV, sending one person to the hospital.

The accident happened at about 6:30am Saturday (Aug. 1), on Highway 13 and Highway 100, near Marion.

According to the Linn County Sheriff's Office, a semi driven by 30 year old Ross Rittgers of Union, was headed north, and following closely behind an SUV, driven by 61 year old Mark Berkenbosch from Newton.

The semi, pulling a flatbed trailer loaded with construction materials, was not able to slow down, and rear-ended the sport utility vehicle.

A passenger in the SUV, 61 year old Mark Farver of Newton, was taken to Mercy Hospital by ambulance.

The semi driver, Rittgers, was charged with following too close.