One individual has been transported to a Des Moines area hospital by helicopter for injuries sustained in a crash Monday morning on Highway 163 in Pella.

According to the Pella Police Department, emergency crews responded just after 7:45 a.m. to a 2004 Honda Civic with significant damage to the right front area near the Washington Street interchange.

Pella Police Captain Paul Haase says the cause is unknown as to why he left the eastbound lanes of 163, but 29 year old Joshua D. Hones hit a pillar from the Railroad Bridge just east of Exit 40. Officers believe it was only the one car involved. The Iowa State Patrol indicated he was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

Traffic was closed between Mile Markers 40 and 42 in the eastbound lanes. Pella Police Officers were assisted by Pella Fire, Pella Ambulance, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. The Iowa State Patrol is handling the investigation, and the Iowa Department of Transportation was also on scene.