On 06/12/2024, The Grant County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a one vehicle crash at the Highway 35/81/81 roundabout in the South Lancaster Township.
Randall Eilderts, age 62, of Ackley, Iowa, and the owner operator of R.D. Eilderts Trucking, was south bound on Highway 61 in a 1997, Freightliner Semi, hauling an empty grain trailer. Eilderts was unfamiliar with the area, and was unable to see the roundabout due to the heavy rain as he approached from the north end. As Eilderts realized he was approaching the roundabout, he unsuccessfully attempted to slow his rig. Eilderts struck the curb, causing his truck to momentarily go partially airborne. Eilderts rig continued forward, striking the center grass mound of the roundabout. Eilderts rig then jackknifed to the west side of the roundabout, traveling over an embankment, and striking a light pole before coming to a rest. Eilderts was uninjured in the crash and his tractor trailer received moderate damage.
The Grant County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Lancaster Fire Department and B&M Auto, Tire, and Towing of Bloomington.