Elvin Ariel Murillo Castro, Pedro Castro Obituary, Death – A tragic crash involving a tractor and an SUV in rural northwest Iowa has left two people dead and one seriously injured, with authorities now pursuing charges against the man they believe was behind the wheel of the tractor.
According to the Iowa State Patrol, the deadly collision occurred late at night on April 14 around 10:30 p.m. in Carroll County. The crash took place at the rural intersection of 220th Street and Hawthorne Avenue, located several miles southwest of the town of Carroll.
Investigators say that a tractor was heading eastbound on 220th Street when it failed to stop at a posted stop sign. At that same time, a Hyundai Santa Fe was traveling north on Hawthorne Avenue. The two vehicles met violently in the intersection, with the tractor colliding directly into the driver’s side of the SUV.
The impact of the crash was severe, and the results were devastating. Seventeen-year-old Elvin Ariel Murillo Castro, who was driving the SUV, and 56-year-old Pedro Castro, one of the passengers, were both pronounced dead at the scene. A third occupant in the vehicle, 24-year-old Carlos Castro, sustained critical injuries and had to be airlifted to a hospital for emergency treatment.
What made the situation even more troubling was what happened after the crash. The tractor involved in the collision did not remain at the scene. Instead, it left, sparking a search for the driver responsible. Authorities later located the tractor and identified the driver as 51-year-old Troy Bluml.
Following the discovery, Bluml was arrested and charged with knowingly leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. This is a serious offense under Iowa law, classified as a Class C felony. If convicted, Bluml could face up to 10 years in prison.
According to court documents, Bluml admitted to investigators that he had run the stop sign, causing the crash. He also acknowledged that he did not notify emergency services or report the incident after fleeing the scene. This lack of immediate response may have contributed to the urgency and severity of the legal consequences he now faces.
Bluml was booked into the Carroll County Jail following his arrest. However, he was later released after posting a $10,000 bond. While out on bond, he is still awaiting trial and potential sentencing, depending on the outcome of the case.
The collision has deeply impacted the local community, especially given the age of one of the victims. The death of a 17-year-old driver, alongside a 56-year-old passenger, has raised serious concerns about road safety in rural areas, particularly at intersections where visibility and adherence to traffic signs can be critical.
The crash also raises broader questions about accountability and responsibility in vehicle-related incidents involving farm equipment. Tractors, while essential in rural communities, are often large, slow-moving vehicles that can pose dangers on public roads when operated without proper caution. In this case, failing to stop at a clearly marked intersection had deadly consequences.
Family members of the victims have not yet spoken publicly, but such a loss is expected to leave lasting emotional scars. Meanwhile, Carlos Castro remains hospitalized as he recovers from life-threatening injuries. His condition has not been updated in recent reports.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident, although much of the essential information appears to have been confirmed through Bluml’s own admissions. Investigators will likely examine additional factors such as vehicle conditions, road signage, lighting at the intersection, and whether any distractions or impairments played a role in the crash.
For now, the legal process will proceed as prosecutors build their case against Bluml. A Class C felony in Iowa carries substantial penalties, and the court will weigh the facts carefully—especially considering that Bluml admitted fault and failed to report the collision.
This case has drawn attention to the importance of staying at the scene of an accident, particularly one involving injuries or fatalities. Fleeing the scene not only intensifies legal consequences but also leaves victims without immediate assistance and prevents emergency responders from doing their jobs effectively.
As the investigation wraps up and the legal proceedings begin, the Carroll County community is left grieving the loss of two lives and hoping for the recovery of a third. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike and the critical role that responsibility and quick action play on the road.
