In the quiet expanse of rural northwest Iowa, a devastating collision shattered the stillness of a late Monday night, leaving a community grappling with profound loss. On April 14, 2025, at approximately 10:30 p.m., a tragic accident at the intersection of 220th Street and Hawthorne Avenue in Carroll County claimed the lives of two individuals and left another fighting for survival. The crash, involving a John Deere tractor and a Hyundai Santa Fe, has cast a somber shadow over the small town of Carroll, several miles northeast of the scene, as residents mourn the untimely deaths of 17-year-old Elvin Ariel Murillo Castro and 56-year-old Pedro Castro, both local residents.
The Iowa State Patrol’s investigation revealed that the tractor, driven by 51-year-old Troy Bluml of Carroll, was traveling eastbound on 220th Street when it failed to stop at a clearly marked stop sign at the intersection. At the same moment, the Hyundai Santa Fe, driven by young Elvin, was heading north on Hawthorne Avenue. The tractor struck the driver’s side of the SUV with devastating force, killing Elvin and Pedro instantly. A third occupant, 24-year-old Carlos Castro, also of Carroll, sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to UnityPoint Health in Des Moines, where he remains in serious condition. The precise relationship between Elvin, Pedro, and Carlos has not been disclosed, but their shared surname suggests a close familial bond, compounding the tragedy for their loved ones.
In the aftermath of the collision, Bluml fled the scene, leaving the wreckage and its victims behind without notifying authorities or offering aid. Law enforcement later located both Bluml and the tractor at his residence on Jade Road, a short distance from the crash site. According to court documents, Bluml admitted to investigators that he ran the stop sign and caused the accident, a confession that carries significant weight as he faces legal consequences. He was arrested and charged with knowingly leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, a Class C felony under Iowa law. If convicted, Bluml could face up to seven years in prison, though initial reports of a potential 10-year sentence appear to have been corrected based on the state’s sentencing guidelines for this charge. He was booked into the Carroll County Jail and released after posting a $10,000 bond, with a preliminary hearing scheduled to determine the next steps in the judicial process.
The loss of Elvin, a teenager with his life ahead of him, and Pedro, a man in the prime of his years, has left an indelible mark on Carroll, a tight-knit community where such tragedies resonate deeply. Elvin was known among peers for his vibrant spirit, while Pedro was a respected figure whose presence touched many lives. Carlos, now battling for recovery, faces an uncertain future, with the community rallying to support his family through this harrowing ordeal. Local schools and churches have begun organizing vigils and fundraisers to honor the deceased and assist with medical expenses, reflecting the area’s commitment to healing together.
This incident marks yet another somber entry in Iowa’s 2025 traffic fatality statistics, with the state’s Department of Transportation reporting 61 roadway deaths so far this year. The crash underscores the critical importance of road safety, particularly at rural intersections where visibility and adherence to traffic signs are paramount. As the investigation continues, authorities are examining factors such as road conditions, lighting, and potential distractions that may have contributed to Bluml’s failure to stop. For now, the focus remains on supporting the grieving community and seeking justice for those lost in this preventable tragedy. The road to recovery for Carroll will be long, but its residents’ resilience and unity offer a glimmer of hope amid the sorrow.
