Unfortunately, this Labor Day weekend did not go without headlines in Iowa.

Downtown Fire

Five firefighters were sent to the hospital following a blaze that struck inside downtown Des Moines’ Equitable Building on Saturday. The firefighters were hurt as they worked to quench the fire. Though the cause of the fire is still unknown, officials say it started in a small crawl space between the second and third floors of the building.

The firefighters were hurt during the difficult task trying to find the fire through thick plaster and concrete. Two were hurt by falling debris, one fell off an 8-foot ladder, while the other two suffered heat-related issues.

The downtown fire follows the disastrous fire that erupted earlier this year at the historical Younker’s building.

Car Accidents

The total number of fatalities from car accidents was down from last year, but there were still two fatalities this Labor Day weekend.

A Boone man died following an accident on Highway 30, near Grand Junction on Monday morning when he crossed the center line and hit an SUV. Officials say the driver was driving recklessly. The driver and passenger of the SUV were taken to the hospital and suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Storms

Strong storms raged across Iowa on Sunday evening, and parts of western and northern Iowa saw the worst of it. In Crawford County, the winds reached 60-miles-per-hour with more than 3.5 inches of rain. Wind uprooted trees and knocked over at least five RV’s at Yellowsmoke Park.

We at the Beattie Law Firm are thankful for the emergency responders who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.  We are also committed to provide our clients the best. If you, or a loved one, has suffered from an injury don’t hesitate to call us for a free consultation.