OSCEOLA, Iowa (WXOW) – Representative Derrick Van Orden assisted in the rescue of an 11-year-old boy following a serious crash on Interstate 35 on Saturday, August 16.
According to reports, Van Orden and his wife were driving when they witnessed a minivan collide with a semi-truck on the roadside. The Congressman described the incident as extremely violent, noting it was clear that someone had been seriously injured.
After parking his vehicle, Van Orden rushed to the scene and found the boy suffering from severe injuries, including significant bleeding from his leg and arm. Using socks from his luggage, he, along with other bystanders, fashioned tourniquets to control the bleeding.
Authorities confirmed that first responders arrived shortly thereafter, and the boy was airlifted to a hospital in Des Moines for treatment.
Van Orden later mentioned that the incident occurred while he and his wife were en route to a memorial for their daughter, who passed away from cancer in 2023. He visited the boy in the hospital on Monday and spoke with the boy's father, who expressed gratitude for Van Orden's assistance.
“It was inspiring to see others stop to help save the boy's life,” Van Orden stated, emphasizing the sense of community during the crisis.
Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Further updates will follow as information becomes available.