Mary Louise Bartine Obituary, Death – Officials have released the identity of the woman who lost her life in a tragic two-vehicle crash north of Bondurant, Iowa. Mary Louise Bartine, 89, of St. Anthony, was pronounced dead after her SUV collided with a semi-truck on U.S. Highway 65/NE Hubbell Avenue at the intersection with NE 112th Street.
The fatal crash occurred on Wednesday, November 27, around 11:40 a.m., approximately six miles north of Bondurant.
The Collision
The incident involved Bartine’s SUV and a semi-truck hauling a livestock trailer. The force of the collision caused the semi-truck and its trailer to overturn, leaving the highway strewn with debris and necessitating an extensive emergency response.
Authorities temporarily closed U.S. Highway 65 to investigate and clear the scene, resulting in traffic disruptions for several hours.
Details of the Incident
Capt. Ryan Evans from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the severity of the crash but noted that several details remain unclear, including how the collision occurred. The overturned livestock trailer raised additional concerns about its contents. Officials have not confirmed the number of pigs inside or whether any were killed in the crash.
Mary Louise Bartine’s Legacy
Mary Louise Bartine, a longtime resident of St. Anthony, is remembered by friends and family as a kind-hearted individual who made a positive impact on those around her. Her death marks another tragedy on Iowa’s roadways, underscoring the devastating consequences of traffic accidents.
Road Safety in Iowa
This fatal crash contributes to the grim tally of road fatalities in Iowa for 2024. According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, 309 people have lost their lives in vehicle accidents across the state so far this year. This figure represents a slight decline compared to the 330 fatalities recorded by the same time in 2023.
Despite this decrease, road safety remains a critical concern. Over the past five years, Iowa has averaged 350 road fatalities annually. Each death represents a preventable loss, spurring efforts to improve traffic safety through education, enforcement, and infrastructure upgrades.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash to determine what led to the deadly collision. Factors such as weather conditions, vehicle speeds, and possible driver errors are being examined as part of the investigation.
Capt. Evans stressed the importance of vigilance on the roads, particularly at busy intersections like U.S. Highway 65 and NE 112th Street. Intersections often pose heightened risks due to the convergence of vehicles from multiple directions, requiring careful attention from all drivers.
Traffic Impact and Response
The crash caused significant disruptions along U.S. Highway 65 as emergency responders worked to clear the scene and investigate the accident. The overturned semi-truck and trailer added to the complexity of the response, requiring specialized equipment to remove the large vehicle from the roadway.
Emergency crews also prioritized assessing the condition of the livestock and addressing potential hazards posed by the overturned trailer. The incident underscored the challenges posed by accidents involving large vehicles and agricultural transportation.
Road Safety Reminders
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for caution and awareness while driving, particularly at intersections and on rural highways where high speeds and heavy vehicles are common.
Safety experts recommend several practices to reduce the likelihood of accidents:
- Stay Alert: Avoid distractions such as mobile devices and maintain full attention on the road.
- Observe Traffic Laws: Adhere to speed limits and traffic signals, especially at intersections.
- Adjust for Conditions: Slow down during adverse weather or when visibility is reduced.
- Be Aware of Large Vehicles: Exercise caution when driving near semi-trucks, which require longer stopping distances and have larger blind spots.
Community Response
The crash has prompted an outpouring of condolences for Bartine’s family, as well as discussions about road safety in the Bondurant area. Residents expressed concerns about the intersection’s safety and the potential need for additional measures to prevent future accidents.
Local leaders have also called for continued investment in traffic control measures, including enhanced signage, signal systems, and public awareness campaigns to improve safety at high-risk intersections.
Looking Ahead
As authorities work to uncover the cause of the crash, the community mourns the loss of Mary Louise Bartine while reflecting on the broader issue of road safety. Each fatality serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibility shared by all drivers to prioritize safety and remain vigilant behind the wheel.
The legacy of Bartine’s life, coupled with the collective desire to prevent similar tragedies, may inspire renewed efforts to make Iowa’s roads safer for everyone.
