There has been a serious accident on Highway 163 near the Clark Street exit in Pella.
Reports are that a vehicle driving the wrong way hit a semi hauling cattle, and that cattle are on the highway. Both lanes are closed, and officials are urging traffic to avoid the area.
Highway 163 is closed from MM 40 to 44 in both directions.
Eastbound traffic heading to Oskaloosa should follow Business 163 through Pella.
Westbound trafffic should follow the same route, but Exit 40 is closed. The detour follows G28 north of Lake Red Rock to Highway 14 north of Knoxville. Pella Fire, Pella Ambulance, and Pella PD have responded.
The Marion County and Mahaska County Sheriff’s office are assisting at the scene, along with the Iowa State Patrol. Knoxville Fire and Rescue are on standby. Marion County Emergency Management are also on the scene.
Local farmers are assisting in rounding up cattle. Police say cattle are present on the off ramps and in the median of the highway; drivers are being asked to honor the roadblocks, and avoid the area.
KRLS is on scene, and will provide more information as it becomes available.
