Three hurt in crash at Highway 94, Ellis Lane after car runs stop sign

UPDATE: Dense fog was not a factor in a crash Thursday morning that shut down a highway west of Cedar Rapids.

Three men were hurt in the accident, which happened around 7:35 a.m. at the intersection of State Highway 94 and Ellis Road. Linn County authorities said a southbound pickup struck a westbound car that had run a stop sign.

The car sustained extensive front-end damage, and the pickup spun into the west ditch, losing one of its rear tires.

When deputies arrived, two of the men were up and walking, and a passenger from the pickup was on the ground, moaning. All three were taken to local hospitals. Their injuries were not life-threatening, authorities said.

A dense fog advisory was in effect for the area until 10 a.m., with visibilities reported at around one-eighth of a mile.

“It shouldn't have been a problem,” Deputy Rob Taylor said of the fog. “He just ran (the stop sign). A witness said he didn't even stop.”

Traffic from Highway 94 was diverted to Ellis Road. The highway reopened shortly before 9 a.m.