Special to the Times Vedette
Guthrie County Sergeant Kent Gries reported a tractor rollover accident occurring on Oct. 18 at 12:10 p.m. near North Sixth Street Place in rural Guthrie Center.
Howie Eugene Hockenberry, 65, of Guthrie Center was driving a Ford 901 farm tractor with a front end loader attachment. Hockenberry had a large, heavy rock in the loader and was attempting to move it. Hockenberry was backing across the roadway and got onto grass. It is believed the weight of the rock in the front loader caused the back tires to lose traction on the dry grass. Hockenberry proceeded in reverse downhill without the ability to stop. He took evasive action and spun the front tires around, which caused the tractor to overturn an unknown amount of times. Hockenberry was pinned under the tractor but was able to get himself removed through his own strength. He was significantly injured and was transported to the Guthrie County Hospital landing zone by Panora EMS and was then transported to Iowa Methodist in Des Moines by air ambulance. Law enforcement contacted Wetzel’s Towing at the owner’s request. They responded and tipped the tractor back over. Panora EMS, Guthrie Center Fire Department and the Iowa State Patrol assisted at the scene. Estimated damage to the tractor is $1,500.