1 Dead, Multiple Injured After Iowa College Baseball Team Bus Crash

The charter bus carrying 33 people rolled into a ditch in Calhoun County, Iowa.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A charter bus carrying the Iowa Lakes Community College baseball team crashed in Calhoun County, Iowa on Wednesday, leaving one person dead and multiple others injured. The bus had 33 people on board when it went off the road and rolled into a ditch. Officials with the Iowa State Patrol responded to the accident just after 11 a.m. and confirmed one fatality, with multiple serious injuries reported.

Why it matters

Tragic bus crashes involving student athletes are devastating events that impact entire communities. This incident raises questions about road safety, vehicle maintenance, and emergency response protocols for college sports teams traveling long distances.

The details

The Iowa Lakes Community College baseball team was traveling in the charter bus to a game against North Arkansas College when the crash occurred. The bus left the roadway and rolled into a ditch, resulting in one fatality and multiple serious injuries among the 33 people on board. Ten patients were taken to UnityPoint Health-Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge, and two were transported to Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.

  • The accident occurred just after 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
  • The Iowa Lakes Community College baseball team was scheduled to play against North Arkansas College on Thursday, February 13, 2026 in Harrison, Arkansas.

The players

Iowa Lakes Community College

A community college located in Estherville, Iowa that fields a baseball team.

North Arkansas College

A community college located in Harrison, Arkansas that was scheduled to play against the Iowa Lakes Community College baseball team.

Iowa State Patrol

The law enforcement agency that responded to and is investigating the bus crash.

UnityPoint Health-Trinity Regional Medical Center

The hospital in Fort Dodge, Iowa that received 10 patients from the bus crash.

Iowa Methodist Medical Center

The hospital in Des Moines, Iowa that received 2 patients from the bus crash.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. The College is actively supporting those affected and communicating directly with families.”

— Iowa Lakes Community College (College statement)

“Our hearts are heavy as we grieve alongside the Iowa Lakes College community. The loss of a life is a tragedy that reaches far beyond one campus. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the individual who passed away, and we are lifting up in prayer those who were injured and all who are affected.”

— Dr. Rick Massengale, North Arkansas College President (College statement)

What’s next

The Iowa State Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the bus crash.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the importance of road safety and emergency preparedness for college sports teams traveling long distances. It also highlights the need for strong community support and crisis response when such devastating events occur.