Two Sioux City women die in interstate crash

CASEY — Cynthia Piester, 58, and Jennifer Piester, 38, both of Sioux City, were killed after a motor-vehicle crash on Interstate 80 near the Middle River between Casey and Menlo 10:50 a.m. Sunday.

According to an Iowa State Patrol report, Johnny Piester, 60, of Sioux City was driving a 2000 Chevrolet Trailblazer east in the right lane of Interstate 80 for unknown reasons. The vehicle went into the median, and then between the bridges of the Middle River.

The vehicle struck a rock embankment, rolled onto its top and struck the west bank of the river.

The vehicle slid across the ice-covered river and came to a rest on the east bank. The vehicle partially submerged.

Johnny Piester was wearing a seat belt, Cynthia and Jennifer Piester were not. Johnny Piester was transported to Mercy Medical Center.

Stuart police and fire departments and Adair County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Iowa State Patrol in the accident.