By Sam Parsons

A collision between a semi truck and a tractor east of Pella on Friday resulted in serious injuries for one driver and traffic delays that lasted several hours.

According to traffic records, on Friday afternoon, a semi truck operated by 49-year-old Robert Weed of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was going east on Highway 163 east of Pella, when it struck the rear of a field sprayer that was being driven by 65-year-old Lee Deprenger of Otley. As a result of the accident, Weed sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to the Mercy Hospital in Des Moines by helicopter. Deprenger was transported to Pella Regional for possible minor injuries.

The accident resulted in traffic delays on Highway 163 east of Pella that lasted for roughly 5 hours. The road has since been reopened for traffic.