Ventura, IA, Firefighter Struck by Vehicle That Drove Through Crash Scene

Clear Lake police said the firefighter was struck by a vehicle that continued to drive past the original incident scene.

Dec. 24, 2025

2 min read

Globe Gazette, Mason City, Iowa
(TNS)

A Ventura firefighter was injured Tuesday night when he was struck by a vehicle traveling through a crash scene just west of the intersection of U.S. Highway 18 and North Main Street in Ventura.

The Clear Lake Police Department was dispatched at around 5 p.m. to a personal-injury crash along with the Ventura Fire Department.

While first responders were managing the scene and Clear Lake officers were investigating the crash, the Ventura firefighter was hit, according to a press release from the CLPD.

The driver who struck the firefighter continued to travel through the crash scene before being stopped by a Clear Lake police officer. The firefighter, whose name is not being released at this time, was transported to MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City by ambulance with non‐life‐threatening injuries. Highway 18 was closed for a brief period of time.

Iowa State Patrol is handling the investigation involving the firefighter. Both crashes remain under investigation to determine their cause and whether impairment played in role in either crash.

“I am grateful that we did not have more serious injuries to our Ventura firefighter and we will keep him in our prayers hoping for a quick recovery," Clear Lake Police Chief Michael Colby said in a statement. "This is a great reminder for everyone that they must slow down, move over, and pay attention when approaching an emergency vehicle with their emergency vehicle lights activated. Also, anytime an emergency vehicle is behind you with their emergency equipment on pull to the right and yield.

"These incidents are preventable. With holiday travels in full swing, I also want to remind everyone that we will have extra officers patrolling our roadways looking for impaired drivers through the new year.”