Crime & Safety
Fayette County, IA Crash Leaves Woman, 83, Critically Injured
Clermont, IA – An 83 year old Iowa woman was airlifted to a Wisconsin hospital with life …Clermont, IA – An 83 year old Iowa woman was airlifted to a Wisconsin hospital with life threatening injuries
By Owen Prescott · 2026-11-09T18:33:23.941Z
Clermont, IA – An 83 year old Iowa woman was airlifted to a Wisconsin hospital with life threatening injuries following a serious two vehicle collision Friday afternoon in Fayette County that left both vehicles totaled.
According to the Fayette County Sheriff 's Office, emergency crews responded around 4:26 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, to the 4000 block of Harding Road, approximately one mile west of Clermont.
Investigators determined that Karen Laura Kerner, 83, of West Union, was driving a silver 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt LT westbound when she partially pulled off the two lane roadway and stopped.
Authorities said her vehicle was then struck from behind by a gray 2019 Cadillac XT5 Luxury driven by Gary James Berns, 69, of Hawkeye, who was also traveling westbound.
Woman Trapped Inside Damaged Vehicle
The impact left Kerner temporarily trapped inside her Chevrolet, requiring emergency responders to use mechanical equipment to free her.
Deputies reported that she suffered life threatening injuries.
Kerner was initially transported to Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital, now operating under the Emplify Health name, in West Union before being flown to a hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin, for additional treatment.
Her Chevrolet was declared a total loss.
Berns sustained minor injuries and was transported to Gundersen Emplify Hospital in West Union for medical evaluation and treatment.
His Cadillac was also considered a total loss.
Multiple Emergency Agencies Respond
The response involved the Clermont Fire Department, Clermont Ambulance, Gundersen Emplify Ambulance, Elgin Fire Department, Elgin Ambulance, West Union Police Department and Iowa State Patrol.
The Fayette County Sheriff's Office Technical Collision Investigation Unit also assisted at the scene.
Authorities have not announced any citations or charges related to the collision.
The Sheriff's Office confirmed that the crash remains under investigation .
No additional information about Kerner's current medical condition was provided in the release.