State trooper killed in Indianola crash

INDIANOLA, Iowa (AP) - The Iowa State Patrol says a trooper died in a crash near Indianola in central Iowa when his patrol car left the road, landed in a field and burst into flames.

The State Patrol says Trooper Mark Toney was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash Tuesday off U.S. Highway 65, just south of Indianola.

Witnesses say Toney was northbound with his emergency lights activated when he crashed about 4:40 p.m.

Crews that responded found the patrol car engulfed in flames.

Toney was 43 and has served with the State Patrol for 24 years.

An autopsy will be conducted Wednesday at the State Medical Examiner's Office in Ankeny.

State Patrol Colonel Patrick J. Hoye offered condolences to Toney's family. Hoye says Toney "gave his life in service to Iowans."