Carroll County, IA (April 14, 2025) – A tragic crash in rural northwest Iowa claimed the lives of two people and left a third critically injured after a tractor driver ran a stop sign and struck an SUV, then fled the scene, according to the Iowa State Patrol.
Accident Details: The fatal crash occurred around 10:30 p.m. at the intersection of 220th Street and Hawthorne Avenue, southwest of the town of Carroll. Authorities say a tractor, traveling eastbound on 220th Street, failed to stop at a posted stop sign and collided with a northbound Hyundai Santa Fe.
The impact struck the driver’s side of the SUV, resulting in the deaths of 17-year-old Elvin Ariel Murillo Castro, who was driving, and 56-year-old Pedro Castro, a passenger. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. A third passenger, 24-year-old Carlos Castro, sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to a hospital for emergency treatment.
Following the crash, the driver of the tractor fled. The vehicle was later found, and the driver, Troy Bluml, 51, was arrested and charged.
Legal Considerations: Bluml is facing a Class C felony charge for knowingly leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, which carries a possible sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Court records indicate Bluml admitted to running the stop sign and leaving without notifying authorities. In addition to criminal penalties, Bluml may face civil claims from the victims’ family for wrongful death and personal injury.
In cases where drivers flee fatal crash scenes, criminal charges are often paired with significant civil liability due to the severity and negligence involved.
Ongoing Investigation: The Iowa State Patrol continues to investigate the crash. Bluml was booked into the Carroll County Jail but later posted a $10,000 bond.
I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Elvin Ariel Murillo Castro and Pedro Castro, and I hope Carlos Castro makes a full recovery.
Source: WMTV 15 News