Linn County, IA (February 20, 2026) – Daniel Burage (60) was injured in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 13 north of Heatons Valley Road.
Incident Details: On February 20, 2026, around 9:10 a.m., deputies and multiple emergency agencies were dispatched to respond to a crash reported on Highway 13 north of Heatons Valley Road.
Responders found a white Ford F-150 with heavy front-end damage in the west ditch. They also found a semi-truck and trailer with front-end damage on the shoulder of the highway.
Investigators determined that the semi-truck was traveling northbound on Highway 13 when wind shear caused the driver to lose control and jackknife into oncoming traffic. The semi-truck collided head-on with the Ford F-150, which was traveling southbound.
Daniel Burlage, the driver of the Ford F-150, was trapped inside the vehicle and had to be extricated by firefighters. He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital. His injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening.
The semi-truck driver, Bashir Chaudry (37), was not injured.
Investigation: Authorities in Linn County are continuing to investigate the two-vehicle crash on Highway 13. Investigators have indicated that wind shear may have caused the northbound semi-truck to lose control and jackknife into oncoming traffic before colliding head-on with the southbound Ford F-150. As part of the investigation, officials will likely review roadway conditions, weather reports, vehicle damage, and skid marks to confirm how the semi entered the opposite lane. They may also examine the truck’s speed, braking data, and driver actions leading up to the crash to determine whether the loss of control was unavoidable or whether additional precautions could have been taken.
Legal Considerations: When a semi-truck crosses into oncoming traffic, liability often turns on whether the driver exercised reasonable care under the conditions. While sudden wind shear can be a contributing factor, commercial drivers are generally expected to adjust speed and operations for weather and roadway conditions. If investigators determine that the truck driver failed to operate safely under the conditions, civil liability may apply.
Because a commercial vehicle was involved, there may also be questions about trucking company policies, training, vehicle maintenance, and compliance with safety regulations. If negligence is established, Burage may have a personal injury claim to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other crash-related losses.
I hope Daniel Burage makes a full and steady recovery following this serious crash.
Source: CBS2Iowa