On Thursday, March 27, 2025, at approximately 4:05 p.m., a fatal single-vehicle rollover crash occurred on Highway 1, approximately four miles south of Kalona, Iowa.
The victim, Alaina McNurlen, an 18-year-old resident of Keota, Iowa, was pronounced dead at the scene after being ejected from her vehicle.
Crash Details
According to the Iowa State Patrol, McNurlen was traveling northbound on Highway 1 when she crossed the center line into the southbound lane.
She swerved back into the northbound lane but overcorrected, causing her to lose control of the vehicle. The car then veered into the ditch and rolled over.
McNurlen was ejected from the vehicle during the rollover. Investigators noted that she was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
Detailed Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date and Time | March 27, 2025, at 4:05 p.m. |
| Location | Highway 1, 4 miles south of Kalona, IA |
| Driver | Alaina McNurlen, 18, Keota, IA |
| Cause of Accident | Overcorrection after crossing center line |
| Injuries | Fatal; ejected from vehicle |
| Vehicle Involved | Passenger car (make and model unspecified) |
| Seat Belt Usage | Not wearing a seat belt |
Safety Recommendations
This tragic incident underscores the critical importance of wearing seat belts, especially for young and inexperienced drivers.
Seat belts are proven to significantly reduce the risk of ejection and fatality in rollover accidents.
The loss of Alaina McNurlen serves as a poignant reminder of the potential consequences of not wearing a seat belt.
It is imperative for all drivers, particularly teenagers, to recognize the importance of seat belt usage to ensure their safety on the road.