(Manilla, Iowa) At approximately 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, a semi-tanker hauling about 6,000 gallons of manure experienced a structural failure near the intersection of 330th Street and S Avenue. The tanker buckled, releasing manure onto the roadway, both shoulders, and an adjacent field. The driver immediately noticed the issue, stopped, and sought assistance.
A Crawford County Sheriff’s deputy was first on scene and requested support from Manilla Fire and Ambulance and Crawford County Emergency Management. Emergency Management also contacted Crawford County Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Technicians to assist with containment and cleanup. Precision Towing and Crawford County Secondary Roads were called to aid in the response.
Responders worked with the owner to stop the release, contain the affected area, and prevent further spread. The manure impacted the roadway, both shoulders, and a nearby field. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was notified and provided guidance and oversight throughout the cleanup process.
Officials confirmed that no creeks, streams, or other waterways were affected. Cleanup efforts focused on recovering as much manure as possible, excavating contaminated soil from the field, and managing all affected materials in accordance with DNR recommendations.
Traffic near 330th Street and S Avenue was temporarily affected during cleanup operations but has since returned to normal.
Crawford County Emergency Management expressed appreciation to all assisting agencies, including HazMat Technicians, Manilla Fire and Ambulance, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, Precision Towing, Crawford County Secondary Roads, Crawford County Communications Center, and Kloewer’s Pumping Service and the Iowa DNR for their assistance in this incident.
